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Abortion Pill (RU-486)

The abortion pill is a non-surgical way to have an abortion with just medication. The abortion pill is actually a method that involves two different pills. The first is Mifeprex (Mifepristone), formerly known as RU-486, which is a progesterone blocker. Progesterone is a hormone that is released by your body to maintain the uterine lining during pregnancy. By taking Mifeprex and blocking progesterone the uterine lining softens and begins to break down.

However, a second medication is necessary to expel the uterine lining. This medication is Misoprostol, also known as Cytotec, which causes the uterus to contract. The contraction expels the uterine lining and essentially causes cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period. Follow your doctors’ instructions on how and when to use these medications.

Abortion pill side effects include but are not limited to:

Generally, the abortion pill is safe and effective, many of the serious side effects are uncommon. However, it is important to talk to your doctor and these potential side effects and how you can deal with them during your physical exam.


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Non-surgical termination of pregnancy is an alternative method for ending an early pregnancy (up to 8 weeks) without surgery or anesthesia. At Professional Gynecological Services, part of our philosophy is to offer our patients different choices. This abortion option will allow patients to have the termination of pregnancy in their own comfort and privacy. Our physicians and staff will ensure that the patients be provided with all information and instructions necessary for the procedure.

At Professional Gynecological Services we offer the Abortion Pill (also known as RU486 or Mifeprex), approved by the FDA in October of 2000 or the injection Methotrexate as choices for non-surgical termination of pregnancy. You will be provided with information on both medications. RU486 and Methotrexate work the same way, their job is to block a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue. Therefore, it will end the pregnancy, however, a second medication called misoprostol will be needed for the completion of the procedure. At the time of the visit and after an individualized counseling session you will have the freedom to choose in between RU486 and Methotrexate as your choice for the medical abortion.

The use of these medications in terminations up to 8 weeks of pregnancy is safe, but a lengthy procedure that requires a commitment to at least two office visits to ensure that the pregnancy has been completely terminated and the desire to actively participate in the abortion process. In order to qualify for a non-surgical procedure, you have to be no more than 8 weeks pregnant and absolutely certain in your decision to proceed with the termination. Once the medication has been started, the abortion must be completed.

During your first visit to the office, medical history will be collected as well as all the information required for the procedure. Our board-certified OB/GYN physician will perform a sonogram to determine the length of the pregnancy and if you qualified medications will be provided.

You will be required to return to our office within one to two-weeks period time after your first visit. During your follow-up visit a sonogram will be performed to evaluate the completion and safety of the procedure. Contraceptives options will be also discussed in your follow-up visit.

Women who have Rh Negative blood type will require an injection of Rhogam. If you don’t know your blood type, a sample will be collected and checked within minutes.


Abortion Pill FAQ

How Much Is the Abortion Pill?

Non-surgical termination of pregnancy, Abortion Pill (Ru486) fee: $550

According to recent studies, the average cost of the abortion pill ranges between $300 to around $800. However, there are several factors that affect the cost and they are as follows:

  • Lab work
  • Office visit
  • Your geographic location
  • Types of testing

You need to be aware that if your abortion pill fails and your pregnancy continues, you will be responsible for the fee for a second abortion procedure.

How does abortion pill work?

Before making use of this option, you will have to go through a medical exam, which includes your medical history, physical exam as well as lab work. Once the medical exam is completed, you will be asked to sign a liability release. In general, the abortion pill entails three-step process:

  1. Take Mifepristone: a medication, which blocks the activity of progesterone
  2. Take Misoprostol: a medication, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, embryonic sac, and lining of the uterus, expelling the developing baby
  3. Return to an abortion clinic: it is required to return to the clinic for an examination 2 weeks later for the purpose of confirming whether medical abortion was successful or not

What to Expect After the Abortion Pill?

If the medical abortion was successful and the pregnancy is terminated, it is considered the end of a menstrual cycle. You can expect your period return within the next two months. It is extremely rare for a period to be absent longer than two months in case of successful medical abortion.

How Long Will I Bleed After Abortion Pill?

You need to make sure you use sanitary towels to monitor your bleeding during early abortion pill treatment and after an abortion treatment. You can expect to bleed like a normal menstrual period and you might pass small blood clots. Generally, bleeding stops after 1 to 2 weeks. However, some women experience bleeding until their next period.

Does the Abortion Pill Damage the Womb?

Abortion is generally very safe and effective in the United States. Most people do not experience any serious side effects that would cause damage to the womb. The abortion pill will not harm future pregnancies and does not increase the risk of future birth defects. Talk to your doctor about any underlying conditions or about any rare but serious risks that you may be concerned about.

Is Plan B an Abortion Pill?

No, Plan B is not the same as the abortion pill or RU-486. Plan B also goes by the name of Levonorgestrel and it works by preventing the release of an egg by the ovary, preventing fertilization by sperm, or by preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb. Plan B is used as an emergency contraceptive and should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. If the fertilized egg has been implanted in the uterine lining then Plan B will not work and you will need to consult your doctor about other options, such as the abortion pill.

How Do You Know if the Abortion Pill Worked?

The softening of the uterine lining and contractions of the uterus caused by the abortion pill will cause bleeding within the first 72 hours. This is a sign that the abortion pill is taking effect and the embryo, embryonic sac, and lining of the uterus is being expelled. Bleeding can continue for a few more weeks but this is normal. Other pregnancy symptoms should go away within a few weeks, such as tender or swollen breasts.

Taking a pregnancy test right after the abortion pill may not show a negative result. Many of the hormones associated with pregnancy will still be circulating in your body. Talk to your doctor for more details on how to know exactly if the abortion pill work.

How Early in Pregnancy Can You Get an Abortion Pill?

Normally, it is allowed to get a medical abortion up to 11 weeks (77 days) after the first day of your last period. In case it has already been 78 days or more since the first day of your last period, it is advised to have an in-clinic abortion for the purpose of ending your pregnancy.

Schedule an appointment with top-rated gynecologists in Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York at 718.875.4848. Our specialists are dedicated to provide you with the safest and most effective treatments as well as to ensure your health.

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Page Updated on Aug 1, 2022 by Dr. Bronfman (OB-GYN) of Professional Gynecological Services
Dr. Dmitriy Bronfman, MD

Dr. Dmitriy Bronfman, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with over 25 years of experience providing complete gynecological care. He is an expert in many aspects of modern women's health, including preventative medicine, pelvic pain, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and general, adolescent, and menopausal gynecology.

Dr. Bronfman graduated magna cum laude from New York University and received his medical degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine before completing his residency at Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center. He currently practices at Professional Gynecological Services and is affiliated with Lutheran Medical Center, New York Methodist Hospital, and The Brooklyn Hospital Center. Dr. Bronfman, together with the core physicians of Professional Gynecological Services, implements state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, the most tested treatments, and the latest surgical technology, all while establishing a welcoming atmosphere in which your questions and concerns will be addressed with the utmost attention.

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