Medical Termination of Pregnancy

1 medicine

Medical termination of pregnancy uses medicines, not surgery, to end a pregnancy in its early weeks. The standard regimen combines mifepristone with misoprostol.

Cytotec

Misoprostol

100/200mcg

Cytotec is a digestive health medication containing Misoprostol, available as 100/200mcg tablets.

from $0.91 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Medical termination of pregnancy ends an early pregnancy using medicines instead of surgery.
  • The standard regimen combines two medicines: mifepristone, which blocks the hormone that sustains the pregnancy, followed one to two days later by misoprostol, which makes the uterus contract and expel the pregnancy.
  • Misoprostol can also be used alone where mifepristone isn't available, though the combined regimen works better; both medicines have long been on the WHO's essential medicines list.
  • Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding, a fever that won't settle, or severe pain that standard painkillers don't relieve.

How the medicines work

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone that keeps a pregnancy established. Misoprostol is taken one to two days later and causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy. In settings where mifepristone isn't accessible, misoprostol is sometimes used alone instead, though the combined regimen is more reliable. Used together as directed, the two medicines are effective in more than 95% of early pregnancies, and serious complications are uncommon. Both medicines have featured on the World Health Organization's essential medicines list for many years. This approach is generally offered only in the earliest weeks of pregnancy; how far into a pregnancy it can be used depends on local clinical guidance and a doctor's assessment.

What to expect

Cramping and bleeding usually begin within a few hours of taking misoprostol and peak in the first four to six hours. Bleeding then tapers but can continue, more lightly, for one to three weeks afterward. Most people can resume normal daily activities within a day or two, though the day misoprostol is taken is usually the most intense. A follow-up check, typically an ultrasound or a blood test, confirms that the process is complete.

When to seek urgent care

Get medical help promptly if you soak more than two thick pads an hour for two or more hours in a row, if a fever above 38°C lasts more than 24 hours, or if pain is severe and doesn't ease with standard painkillers.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.