the Effectiveness of Abortion Pills After Vomiting

Medication abortion

I found out I was pregnant in November, but due to personal reasons, I decided not to continue with the pregnancy.
On November 19, I took two doses of abortion medication prescribed by my obstetrician-gynecologist.
The pharmacist advised me to take them on an empty stomach and to wait two hours before eating.
However, I vomited after an hour and a half.
On November 21, I took three doses of uterine contraction medication, but I vomited all of them within half an hour.
My question is, do these two medications still have any effect since I vomited them?

Miss Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/21

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is normal to experience light bleeding within a month after a medical abortion.
However, to confirm whether the abortion was complete, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.

Reply Date: 2015/11/21

More Info

When it comes to the effectiveness of abortion pills after vomiting, it's essential to understand how these medications work and the implications of vomiting shortly after ingestion. The medications typically used for medical abortion include mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first to block the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. After 24 to 48 hours, misoprostol is taken to induce contractions and expel the pregnancy tissue.

If you vomit shortly after taking these medications, the effectiveness can be compromised. The timing of the vomiting is crucial. If you vomit within 30 minutes of taking the medication, there is a higher chance that the medication has not been absorbed into your system, and you may need to take another dose. However, if the vomiting occurs after this timeframe, the medication may have already been absorbed, and its effectiveness could remain intact.

In your case, since you vomited approximately 1.5 hours after taking the first dose of the abortion pill, it is likely that some of the medication was absorbed, but there is still uncertainty about how much was effective. The same applies to the uterine contraction medication you took later; if you vomited less than 30 minutes after ingestion, it may not have had the desired effect.

It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider after experiencing vomiting following medication ingestion. They may recommend additional doses or alternative methods to ensure that the abortion process is completed safely and effectively. Monitoring for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or severe pain, is also essential.

In summary, if you vomited shortly after taking abortion pills, it is vital to consult with your healthcare provider to assess the situation and determine the next steps. They may suggest a follow-up appointment or additional medication to ensure that the abortion is completed safely. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns or symptoms you experience during this process.

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