Here you’ll find frequently asked questions about using Misoclear for medical abortion and incomplete abortion. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, speak to your doctor or contact us.

Taking Misoclear

• How should I take Misoclear for medical abortion?
• Should I take the misoprostol sublingually (under the tongue) or vaginally for medical abortion?
• What happens if I vomit or swallow the misoprostol tablets before 30 minutes have passed?
• How will I know the abortion is working?
• What should I expect when the medicine takes effect?
• How do I know if the abortion was unsuccessful?
• Is there a risk of birth defects in case the pregnancy is not terminated?
• I am exactly 9 weeks pregnant, can I still take Misoclear for abortion?
• I am only 2 weeks pregnant, how many tablets should I take?
• Can I use Misoclear abortion pill more than once in a year?
• Can I use Misoclear if I’m still breastfeeding?
• Is there an age restriction for medical abortion?

Side effects of Misoclear

• How long do symptoms last?
• What should I do if I don’t have any bleeding?
• What can I do to ease the pain?
• How will Misoclear affect my periods?

After taking Misoclear

• How will I feel mentally after taking the abortion pill?
• Will medical abortion have long-term effects on my health?
• How soon can I have sex after taking Misoclear?
• How can I prevent future pregnancy?
• Can medical abortion affect a woman’s ability to have a child in the future?
• How soon can I start contraception after a medical abortion?

Other questions about Misoclear

• How is Misoclear stored?

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How should I take Misoclear for medical abortion?

Step 1: Place 4 tablets of Misoclear misoprostol under the tongue or in the vagina. If you placed the tablets under the tongue, allow them to dissolve for 30 minutes and swallow what is left in your mouth with water. Wait 3 hours.

Step 2: After 3 hours, place another 4 tablets of Misoclear misoprostol under the tongue or in the vagina. If you placed the tablets under the tongue, allow them to dissolve for 30 minutes and swallow what is left in your mouth with water. Wait another 3 hours.

Step 3: This step is only followed if pregnancy has not passed already. After another 3 hours (only if the pregnancy has not expelled), place the final 4 tablets of Misoclear misoprostol under the tongue or in the vagina. If you placed the tablets under the tongue, allow them to dissolve for 30 minutes and swallow what is left in your mouth with water. The medical abortion should now be complete.

Should I take the misoprostol sublingually (under the tongue) or vaginally for medical abortion?

The misoprostol will be just as effective if you put them under the tongue or in the vagina. The pills dissolve faster under the tongue and can be viewed as being more private.

You may have fewer side effects if you take the misoprostol vaginally. However, if you are experiencing any bleeding from the vagina, you should not take the tablets vaginally.

What happens if I vomit or swallow the misoprostol tablets before 30 minutes have passed?

If you vomit during the 30 minutes that the misoprostol pills are under your tongue, or swallow them before 30 minutes have passed, it is likely they will not work. In this case, it is necessary to immediately repeat the step you are on. If you vomit after the pills have been under your tongue for 30 minutes, there is no need to repeat that step, as the pills have already absorbed into your system.

How will I know the abortion is working?

Cramping and bleeding may begin as quickly as 30 minutes following the first 4 misoprostol tablets. However, bleeding usually begins within 3-4 hours of using misoprostol. The bleeding should be similar to or heavier than your normal menstrual period. This is a sign that the abortion is working.

What should I expect when the medicine takes effect?

It’s normal to see large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) or clumps of tissue when this is happening. It is similar to having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. You might have chills, feel sick or experience vomiting or diarrhoea. Once the pregnancy passes, the amount of bleeding should noticeably reduce. You can read more about side effects here.

How do I know if the abortion was unsuccessful?

If you have used all 12 pills and had little or no bleeding, or you’re still experiencing signs of pregnancy such as nausea, breast tenderness, etc. you may still be pregnant. A healthcare provider can perform a pelvic examination or ultrasound to be sure. Please contact your local medical professional or MSI Reproductive Choices contact centre.

Is there a risk of birth defects in case the pregnancy is not terminated?

There is a slight risk of birth defects in the event of an on-going pregnancy following misoprostol use. The risk is estimated at less than 1%.

I am exactly 9 weeks pregnant, can I still take Misoclear for abortion?

You can still take Misoclear if your last menstrual period was exactly 9 weeks ago. If it is any later than this, please contact a health professional or an MSI Reproductive Choices contact centre.

I am only 2 weeks pregnant, how many tablets should I take?

It is not recommended to take misoprostol if your last period was less than 5 weeks ago. Please contact a medical professional or contact us to talk through your options.

Can I use Misoclear abortion pill more than once in a year?

It is safe to use Misoclear more than once in a year. Taking Misoclear is very unlikely to affect your health, including the possibility of getting pregnant in the future.

Can I use Misoclear if I’m still breastfeeding?

Yes, if you are breastfeeding you can take misoprostol for medical abortion. There is no evidence to suggest that this medication is harmful to babies. Misoprostol enters breast milk soon after being taken. If you are worried you can breastfeed immediately before taking the Misoclear tablets, or wait 4 to 5 hours after taking all of the tablets.

Is there an age restriction for medical abortion?

There is no age limit for using Misoclear, however there may be local regulations regarding the use of products for minors which should be taken into consideration.

How long do symptoms last?

The cramping and bleeding can last for several hours. Most people finish passing the pregnancy tissue in 4-5 hours, but you don’t need to worry if it happens sooner or later than this. The cramping and bleeding slows down after the pregnancy tissue comes out.

You may have cramping on and off for 1 or 2 more days. It’s normal to have some bleeding and spotting for several weeks after your abortion. Using menstrual pads can help you track how much you bleed. You can read more about side effects here.

What should I do if I don’t have any bleeding?

If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking misoprostol call your nurse, doctor or local MSI Reproductive Choices Contact Centre.

What can I do to ease the pain?

• Take pain medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Aspirin isn’t recommended because it can make your bleeding worse.
• Put a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly.
• Take a shower.
• Sit on the toilet.
• Have someone rub your back.

How will Misoclear affect my periods?

It’s normal to bleed and spot on and off for several weeks after taking the abortion pill. Your period should go back to normal 4-8 weeks after your abortion. If you haven’t had a period 4 weeks after your treatment and are worried, you could do a pregnancy test to make sure the treatment worked.

How will I feel mentally after taking the abortion pill?

After an abortion most women feel relieved, but some also feel sad or guilty. Occasionally, although you might feel well physically, it could lead to an emotional struggle. This range of emotions is completely normal. It can help to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling, or call an MSI Reproductive Choices contact centre.

Will medical abortion have long-term effects on my health?

There is no evidence to show any adverse long-term effects on a woman’s health due to medical abortion.

Can medical abortion affect a woman’s ability to have a child in the future?

There is no known effect on a woman’s ability to have children in the future.

How soon can I have sex after taking Misoclear?

You can have sex as soon as the bleeding has stopped, and you feel ready. Remember that you can get pregnant again soon after an abortion, so you will need to use contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy.

How can I prevent future pregnancy?

You can become pregnant almost immediately after an abortion, but contraception can help you avoid unwanted pregnancies. There are a number of methods and which one is right for you will depend on your circumstances. Find out about short term, long term and permanent methods of contraception on this website.

How soon can I start contraception after a medical abortion?

You can start using all hormonal methods of contraception (the pill, injectables, implants) on the first day of using misoprostol. If you want to use an IUD or have a permanent sterilisation, you will need to visit a clinic once your abortion is complete and you’re no longer pregnant. Speak to your doctor or contact us to discuss your options.

How is Misoclear stored?

Misoclear should be stored between 50°F (10°C) – 77°F (25°C), and protected from moisture and humid conditions where possible. Use first in first out dispensing practices.