Misoprostol Side Effects – What to Expect and How to Manage Them

Belonging to the class of synthetic prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analog medication, Misoprostol pills serve various purposes. It is FDA-approved for reducing the risk of stomach ulcers in people using NSAIDs.

However, for female reproductive healthcare, it is taken alone or in combination with a Mifepristone tablet to induce a medical abortion. Otherwise, it also manages postpartum hemorrhage, an incomplete miscarriage, is useful in a hospital setting to ripen cervix, and facilitate labor during childbirth.

While Misoprostol and Mifepristone medicine are multifaceted, they may result in some temporary side effects, which we will discuss in this post, along with some tips on how to manage them.

Medical Abortion Experience and Side Effects

Women usually use an MTP Kit to end an early pregnancy at home. This medicine pack contains:

1. Mifepristone 200mg (one pill)
2. Misoprostol 200mcg (four pills)

The Mifepristone tablet blocks progesterone hormone to shed the endometrial lining, thus stopping the pregnancy’s progress. The progesterone-blocker does not have any noticeable side effects. However, after the use of Misoprostol 800mcg (buccally or vaginally), here is what to expect:

• Uterine contractions
• Nause and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Headache
• Heavy vaginal bleeding

There could be other less common consequences, which must be monitored by observing the changes that happen in the body during pregnancy termination. Further, we will discuss the above-mentioned Misoprostol and Mifepristone medicine side effects, and how to manage those safely at home in a hassle-free manner.

How to Manage Misoprostol Side Effects?

1. Diarrhea

   Stomach upset or loose stools occur within a few hours of taking Misoprostol medication. As the pill causes uterine contractions and activates bowel movement receptors, it is possible to experience diarrhea. To manage this, regularly drink water, ORS, and electrolyte drinks.

   Only eat light foods, while avoiding intake of oily/heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol. If diarrhea occurs for over a day, you may opt for over-the-counter medicines. Also, keep in check signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, feeling dizzy, or weak.

2. Abdominal Cramps and Pain

   The MTP Kit abortion process leads to abdominal pain and cramps because of the uterus contracting constantly and expelling the pregnancy portions. The initial signs of pain and cramps occur after 1 to 4 hours of Misoprostol administration. These symptoms may also increase during expulsion of pregnancy. The cramps are less intense for a pregnancy within the initial 5 weeks of conception.

   You may apply a heating pad or hot water bag on the lower abdomen and back, lay down in a comfortable position, and practice deep breathing for relaxation. Drinking warm herbal teas and fluids may also help. Or, you may also consider taking ibuprofen or relevant pain relievers (not aspirin) to manage these side effects.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

   Most of the side effects, including vomiting or nausea are usually not seen after Mifepristone tablet oral intake, but only after Misoprostol use. Thus, before administering the prostaglandin med, take an antiemetic medicine to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting.

   Avoid spicy, oily, and strong-smelling food during the procedure to prevent feeling sick.

4. Dizziness

   While dizziness is not always a direct side effect to Misoprostol usage, it may happen because of hormonal fluctuations, heavy blood flow, and dehydration.

   If you feel lightheaded, then rest in a lying position and avoid any sudden movements.

   Stay hydrated, avoid physical strain, and take necessary pain-relief measures to prevent worsening of dizziness.

5. Headache

   The physical effects of medical abortion on the body, hormonal changes, dehydration, abdominal discomfort, and other experiences may lead to mild to moderate headache in some women. While Mifepristone and Misoprostol medicine do not cause headaches in every female, nonetheless, this side effect can be managed by intake of medicines like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, etc.

   Avoid loud noises and bright lights, rest in a shaded and calm place, use cold compress on forehead for added relaxation.

6. Heavy Vaginal Bleeding

   Apart from cervical ripening and uterine contractions, Misoprostol pills help pregnancy sections like the fetus, the sac, shed implantation lining, and other tissues find an exit via heavy vaginal bleeding. The bleeding does not start right away from using a 200mg Mifepristone tablet, but only on taking the prostaglandin tablet. Remember that abortion bleeding is not menstrual bleeding.

   However, bleeding during abortion replicates a heavy period flow, with large blood clots, tissue clumps as the uterus empties. Since the flow is heavy and the cervix is dilated, it is wiser to use large and thick sanitary napkins rather than inserting menstrual cups or tampons. Using sanitary pads also helps to track the bleeding.

   If you soak two large napkins in two hours, with severe signs of extreme dizziness, fainting, fever over 24 hours, chills, foul-smelling discharge, then these could indicate an infection or a complication. It is best to seek emergency care and medical assistance in such scenarios.

The Path Ahead for a Safe Early Abortion

Women are often intimated at the thought of medical abortion and their side effects. However, managing the MTP Kit outcomes are simple, if the required precautions are taken. Here are the key takeaways from what we have learnt so far:

• Medical Abortion Benefit:

  The pill-based abortion technique offers a non-surgical option to self-terminate an early pregnancy with complete control over the procedure.

• Side Effects Are Manageable:

The Misoprostol side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain and cramps, and heavy vaginal bleeding are manageable at home. These do not leave long-term health impact or disrupt fertility later.

• Prepare Beforehand:

  You can prepare in advance for the Mifepristone tablet and tackle the prostaglandin pill side effects by arranging for over-the-counter medicines, hot compress, absorbent sanitary napkins, hydrating fluids, and other essentials.

Now That you’re caught up with side effects and ready to use Misoprostol

If you’re ready to take Misoprostol, and go through with home abortion safely in your home, you can purchase it from Buypillonlinerx. We offer discrete and safe delivery of abortion pills at home. You can also purchase the MTP kit that contains Misoprostol and Mifepristone medicines, as the combination of these abortion pills success rates are up to 98% and over, depending on how far you are into the pregnancy when using the pills. We deliver across the USA and Europe, and we also provide overnight delivery to all states in the USA.