Misoprostol side effects are those favorable or mostly adverse responses to the use of the drug. It is important to always keep in mind that every body is different. Therefore, reactions may be different or vary from person to person. After taking the medication, you will probably feel pain in the belly area. The intensity of the pain can vary; some people say that the pain they experience during abortion pills is similar to, or a little more intense than, regular menstrual cramping. However, others liken the pain to labor contractions.
To treat pain during a pill abortion, it is recommended that a hot water bottle or heating pad be placed over the belly area. If someone is providing support as a companion, it is important that they offer open and respectful, non-judgmental communication that conveys calmness and a clear explanation of the process.
Side Effects of Misoprostol Vary
Vaginal bleeding is the expected effect when misoprostol is used and may be heavier than a normal menses. Sometimes it starts 30 minutes after the first dose is used, but there is a possibility that it may take 12 hours. These are expected symptoms that indicate that the pills are working and the abortion is occurring. Among the advice given by the World Health Organization (WHO) is to be informed and to create reasonable expectations about the amount and duration of bleeding. It is not normal to have very heavy bleeding, such as soaking more than 2 pads within 1 hour, or to have excessive and constant bleeding throughout the day without decreasing the amount.
Side effects of misoprostol include nausea; this is not an emergency but a reaction of the body to the active component. It is important to consider that if you vomit during the 30 minutes while you have the misoprostol under your tongue or between your cheek and gum, you will need to re-administer another 4 pills. If vomiting occurs after the half hour has passed since the pills dissolved and you swallowed the remains, there is no problem.
According to WHO, repeated doses of misoprostol can cause temperature elevation, so fever could also be possible. In this case it is recommended to take ibuprofen. Diarrhea may also be experienced as a secondary symptom; the suggestion for this is to maintain oral hydration (with water, juices or electrolytes) (with water, juices or electrolytes) and antidiarrheal medication.
If any of these symptoms become complicated or severe, further evaluation or seeking help at the nearest clinic or hospital is recommended.
Your Choice of Virtual Accompaniment
Aya Contigo is a virtual platform designed by Vitala Global to provide information on sexual and reproductive health issues and also to accompany you remotely and safely in your self-managed abortion process. The information offered on this platform comes from the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, as well as evidence-based guidelines and resources developed by recognized international organizations and autonomous accompaniment collectives and autonomous accompaniment collectives.
Among the recommendations for managing the side effects of misoprostol, the presence of a support person who can accompany you during the process, if desired, is recommended. The mobile app Aya Contigo is a good option as a companion. Using it is simple. You can log in from a computer to the website here or download the app to your cell phone. When you are inside, among the options to choose from to start the journey are how to have a safe home abortion.
When you select the option "I want to have a safe abortion with pills", you will be asked a series of questions about your search to pinpoint the information you need about home abortion and provide you with timely care.
Looking for secure and confidential support and accompaniment?
Download the app Aya Contigo.