Although both pills are used to prevent carrying a pregnancy, one starts before the pregnancy actually starts (Plan B) and the other occurs after the fertilized egg has been implanted in the uterus (the abortion pill).
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill is a series of two pills that ends a pregnancy. The first pill, mifepristone, is an antiprogestin, so it blocks the pregnancy from receiving the required hormone, progesterone, which ends the pregnancy.
Misoprostol induces uterine cramping, which forces the womb to expel the fetus and pregnancy tissue.
Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
Any medical procedure will always pose a type of risk. Here is a list of potential side effects listed by the Mayo Clinic:
Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Digestive system discomfort
How Plan B Works
Plan B works to stop a woman’s body from releasing an egg from the ovary. It also works to prevent fertilization and to prevent the egg from implanting in the uterus.
For Plan B to work effectively, you should take the pill no more than 72 hours after sex.
Side Effects of the Plan B Pill:
According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms typically last only a few days, but some of the potential side effects include:
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Breast tenderness
Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
Lower abdominal pain or cramps
What is My Best Option?
If you believe that you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, we offer no-cost pregnancy services such as lab-quality pregnancy tests. If it’s determined that you are pregnant, we can see if you qualify for an ultrasound (which can affect your eligibility for a medication abortion).
Contact us today to schedule your options consultation!