Misoprostol, also called Cytotec, has been used as an abortion medication since the late 1980s. At that time, misoprostol was approved only to treat peptic ulcers, but women in areas with restrictions to abortion access discovered the side effects of uterine cramping and vaginal bleeding.
In the United States, misoprostol became FDA-approved in 1996. And in 2000, the FDA approved mifepristone, which alongside misoprostol is also known as "the abortion pill."
In this article, we focus on how misoprostol is used to end early pregnancies and what side effects you can expect. We want to make it easy for you to find clear, accurate information on how misoprostol works for your specific needs. If you're looking for safe, affordable misoprostol to end a pregnancy, Hey Jane may be a convenient option for you. With intake available online 24/7, virtual consultations with licensed providers (over chat, phone, or video), and discreet 2-3 business day delivery, we make it easier to get care that works around your schedule. See if you're eligible here.
How does misoprostol work for medication abortion?
Misoprostol causes the uterus (or womb) to contract, causing cramping and bleeding to empty the contents of the uterus, thus ending a pregnancy.
What are the side effects of misoprostol for medication abortion?
Side effects from misoprostol should go away in a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication, heating pads, and other comfort measures can help manage these symptoms if you do end up experiencing them. Let your provider know if your fever lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol.
How do I get misoprostol for a medication abortion?
Misoprostol should only be taken when prescribed by a medical provider. To buy misoprostol online, use a professional telehealth abortion provider like Hey Jane. This will ensure your process is safe and effectively ends your pregnancy. See if you're eligible for abortion care with Hey Jane here.
You can also meet with an abortion provider in a clinic where they can administer the medications during the visit or give them to you to take at home.
How to get an abortion at home
Laws around abortion telehealth services change frequently and differ state to state. Find out how much the abortion pill and in-clinic abortions cost in your state here.
Hey Jane provides telehealth medication abortion services and abortion pills online for people who are up to 10 weeks pregnant. Check that you are eligible for services here and begin our online intake 24/7 to speak with one of our licensed medical providers in 1 business day. If approved, we’ll send your medications to the address of your choice (as long it’s in one of the states where we’re operating) in an unmarked box to protect your privacy. We offer free 2-3 business day shipping, so treatment arrives to your door quickly.
For more information, check out our patient stories featured in Cosmopolitan.
What are the gynecological side effects of misoprostol?
Some people have also experienced vaginal bleeding, spotting, and menstrual-like cramping after taking misoprostol. It’s fine to use period products if you’re experiencing any spotting or bleeding.
When would you need to seek emergency care after taking misoprostol?
If any of these symptoms persist after about a week or increase in intensity, contact your health care provider or seek emergency care.
Studies show that people are able to safely manage medication abortion treatment at home without a clinic visit, but your provider may request you follow up in-person based on their clinic policies and your health history.
Is misoprostol safe to use for an abortion?
Misoprostol is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. A 2019 study found that only .2% of people who used misoprostol only in a first trimester abortion experienced a serious adverse event. And care with Hey Jane is even safer: A 2023 clinical white paper found that only .16% of Hey Jane patients experienced a serious adverse event while following our mifepristone-misoprostol protocol.
Additionally, a study published in 2024 found that telemedicine abortion care (through a provider like Hey Jane) is not only safe and effective, but it's just as safe and effective as receiving medication abortion care from an in-person clinic.
Does misoprostol cause cramping?
Yes, a side effect of misoprostol is cramping. That is because the medication causes the uterus to cramp and bleed in order to empty out—which, in turn, ends a pregnancy. Cramping varies from person to person, and can be very intense. It usually starts within a few hours of taking misoprostol. You can take ibuprofen (which is included for every Hey Jane patient) or, if you're allergic, Tylenol in order to feel more comfortable.
How long does it take misoprostol to soften the cervix?
Misoprostol can take 1-4 hours to cause cervical ripening or softening, in which you may experience symptoms like stomach cramps and bleeding. These symptoms mean the treatment is working. Misoprostol can also cause other side effects for about 24 hours after taking it. None of these side effects are dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable.
Can misoprostol damage the womb?
Misoprostol is a relatively safe abortion medication, but it may cause a rare, life-threatening condition known as uterine rupture. Misoprostol can trigger multiple uterine contractions, which can tear the muscular walls of the uterus.
What does misoprostol do to the uterus?
Misoprostol causes uterine cramping and bleeding. Generally, you’ll experience vaginal bleeding within about 6-24 hours after taking the misoprostol, and heavy bleeding can last for a few hours.
Why Hey Jane cares
Hey Jane supports those seeking options for their pregnancy and aims to make patients feel informed about their choices. We offer loads of resources and provide accurate information about abortion and the process.
By offering telehealth abortion services and abortion pills online, we eliminate the need to find an in-person clinic—which can be difficult, especially as the number of abortion clinics declines and wait times increase.
We also offer a range of ways to pay for our abortion services—we are the only fully virtual abortion clinic to accept insurance, and partner with abortion funds to provide financial assistance to those who can’t afford treatment. If you need care, Hey Jane is here for you.
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