Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we’ve received a lot of questions regarding the abortion pill. Many women are concerned that their unplanned pregnancy options could be severely restricted. Some have asked if they can use their friend’s abortion pills or if they can order the abortion pill online. While they seem like quick and effective solutions, they pose significant risks to personal health and safety!
Before taking any drastic measures, be sure to get all the facts so you can make a safe and informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy. Today, we’re answering some frequently asked questions about the abortion pill!
Can I Use My Friend’s Extra Abortion Pills?
It’s illegal and unsafe to share any kind of prescription medication with friends, especially the abortion pill! They may have been prescribed a specific dosage that could be harmful to you. Aside from that, the FDA requires the abortion pill to be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider for your safety. More on that in a moment!
Do Abortion Pill Dosages Change per Person?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the dosage of mifepristone can vary per person. Additionally, the amount you should take depends on the strength of the medication. Currently, the toxic dose of misoprostol is unknown. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s orders to avoid an overdose!
Do Expired Abortion Pills Work?
Expired abortion pills are less likely to work. Cleveland Clinic advises throwing away unused medication after its expiration date because it won’t be as effective. The U.S. distributor of the generic mifepristone pill states that generic mifepristone expires after three years. Misoprostol has a shorter shelf life of about two years, according to the USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program.
Can You Order the Abortion Pill by Mail?
In the United States, both mifepristone and misoprostol require a prescription from a qualified physician. Under Senate Bill 4, it’s illegal for manufacturers to ship Mifeprex (the brand name version of mifepristone) into Texas.
Additionally, ordering the abortion pill online can be very risky! As you search, you may come across companies who claim to deliver the abortion pill by mail. However, many of these providers are located overseas and the pills they provide may not be FDA-approved.
Most importantly, you need to be in touch with a prescribing physician if complications arise. After taking the abortion pill, you may experience severe abdominal cramping, nausea, and heavy bleeding. It’s crucial to be able to meet with your prescribing physician to manage your symptoms and determine whether the pill was successful or if an infection is developing.
What are My Unplanned Pregnancy Options?
When that pregnancy test comes back positive, you may feel backed into a corner. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. The truth is, you do have options! While Women’s Choice Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortion services, we are a safe place where you can express your thoughts and feelings without judgment and explore your unplanned pregnancy options!
Whether you have questions about abortion, are curious about adoption, or are in need of parenting support, Women’s Choice Resource Center is here for you. Need a pregnancy test, ultrasound, or STI/STD referral? We can help with that too.
All of the Facts. None of the Judgment.
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers! If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you’re not alone! The licensed medical staff at Women’s Choice Resource Center is here to help you make an informed and empowered decision.
Give us a call at (817) 409-8849 or schedule your free appointment today!
Sources
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2021, December 16). Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, August 1). Mifepristone (oral route) proper use. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20067123
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Cytotec® – Food and Drug Administration. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/19268slr037.pdf
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Mifepristone (mifeprex): Medlineplus drug information. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html#overdose
Misoprostol tablets. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18350-misoprostol-tablets
USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program. (n.d.). Misoprostol. USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program. Retrieved from https://www.ghsupplychain.org/sites/default/files/2019-02/MNCH%20Commodities-Module2.pdf
Texas Legislature. (2021, August 31). S.B. No. 4. Texas Legislature Online. Retrieved from https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/872/billtext/pdf/SB00004F.pdf
