Side effects of medication abortion vary
by regimen. Vaginal bleeding and cramping are expected effects of
medication abortion methods and are the result of the abortion process.
Additionally, there are some common side effects associated with the
medications used in the medication abortion regimens. The following table
lists the most common side effects reported in selected US trials
of medication abortion regimens. [1]
Percentage of women reporting the
symptom (by regimen)
|
Side Effect
|
Mifepristone/Misoprostol
|
Methotrexate/Misoprostol
|
Misoprostol Alone
|
| Nausea |
36-45%
|
19-47%
|
12-43%
|
| Vomiting |
13-14%
|
9-12%
|
8-45%
|
| Diarrhea |
8-11%
|
7-22%
|
7-67%
|
| Headache |
14-18%
|
13-16%
|
12-27%
|
| Dizziness |
15-22%
|
14%
|
18-37%
|
| Fever, Warmth,
Hot Flashes, Chills |
14-20%
|
15-43%
|
31-89%
|
Many of these side effects can be reduced by using
non-prescription pain medications (such as ibuprofen) or anti-emetics
(anti-nausea medications).
Complications from medication abortion regimens are rare.
The most significant complication involves prolonged uteral bleeding.
Less than 1% of women will require an intervention for protracted
bleeding.
Reference: [1] ACOG
Practice Bulletin. 2001; no. 26.
