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How to Do a Medical Abortion at Home: How to Take the Abortion Pills Safely

Important: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your prescribing healthcare provider.

A medical abortion — often called “the abortion pill” — is a safe, FDA-approved method to end an early pregnancy using a combination of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. When taken under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider, this method can be completed at home, typically before 10 weeks of pregnancy.

This guide covers everything: how to confirm your pregnancy, how to prepare, how to take the pills, and what to expect — physically and emotionally.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Through a Telehealth Consultation

Before starting a medical abortion, you must speak with a licensed provider — either in person or through a telehealth appointment. The provider will:

  • Confirm your pregnancy and how far along you are
  • Screen for any medical contraindications
  • Discuss your options and answer questions
  • Provide written and verbal instructions for taking the pills

Once approved, the medication may be:

  • Mailed to your home in discreet packaging
  • Picked up at a partner pharmacy (like CVS or Walgreens)
  • Sent to a local UPS Access Point or PO Box (depending on the provider)

How to Confirm You’re Pregnant and Track Progress Afterward

📍 Where to Get a Pregnancy Test

Before your consultation, you can take a home urine pregnancy test to confirm you’re pregnant. These are available at:

  • Local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
  • Retailers like Target or Walmart
  • Online retailers (Amazon, Walgreens.com)
  • Some health clinics or abortion funds may offer them free

Look for tests labeled “early result” or “high sensitivity.” These detect the pregnancy hormone hCG and are usually accurate after a missed period or 2–3 weeks after unprotected sex.

🧪 How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test

  1. Follow the test’s instructions — each brand varies slightly.
  2. Use first-morning urine for the most accurate result.
  3. Dip the strip or use the included dropper as instructed.
  4. Wait 3–5 minutes.
  5. Read the result:
    • One line = Not pregnant
    • Two lines = Pregnant (even a faint second line is a positive)
    • No lines or smudged results = Invalid, repeat with a new test

🩺 How to Confirm Completion After the Abortion

Most providers will recommend a follow-up around 2–4 weeks after taking the pills.

You may be instructed to:

  • Take a high-sensitivity urine pregnancy test
  • Monitor bleeding and symptoms
  • Schedule a video or phone check-in

A faint positive test within 1–2 weeks is not uncommon — hCG takes time to leave the body. If the test is still clearly positive after 4 weeks, your provider may order an ultrasound or blood test to confirm the abortion is complete.

Step 2: Prepare Your Abortion Kit in Advance

Do not start the process until you have received the pills and everything else your provider recommends. A well-prepared kit can reduce stress and help you manage symptoms at home.

Your at-home abortion kit should include:

  • Mifepristone (1 tablet, 200mg)
  • Misoprostol (usually 4–8 tablets, up to 1600mcg total)
  • Ibuprofen (400–800mg every 6–8 hours as needed)
  • Anti-nausea medication (ondansetron/Zofran, if prescribed)
  • Thermometer
  • Maxi pads (not tampons or menstrual cups)
  • A heating pad or hot water bottle
  • Water, snacks, and comfortable clothing
  • Optional: a support person for emotional or physical comfort

Looking for a nearby pharmacy? Use our Walgreens Store Locator to find Walgreens locations that may carry abortion pill prescriptions near you.

Step 3: How to Take the Abortion Pills

Day 1 – Take Mifepristone (200mg)

  • Swallow with water.
  • This blocks progesterone and stops the pregnancy from progressing.
  • Most people feel fine or may have light spotting.

Day 2 or 3 – Take Misoprostol (800mcg or as prescribed)

  • Take 24–48 hours after mifepristone, per your provider’s instructions.
  • Common administration methods:
    • Buccal: 2 pills in each cheek, let dissolve for 30 minutes, swallow the rest.
    • Vaginal: Insert 4 pills high into the vagina.
    • Sublingual: Place under the tongue and dissolve for 30 minutes.

A second dose of misoprostol may be needed in some cases.

Step 4: What to Expect After Taking Misoprostol

Within 1 to 4 hours, you’ll likely experience:

  • Strong cramping
  • Heavy bleeding and clots
  • Passing pregnancy tissue
  • Side effects like chills, fever, diarrhea, or nausea

The heaviest part typically lasts 4–6 hours. Bleeding then tapers and may continue lightly for up to two weeks.

For a more detailed, doctor-written overview of symptoms, side effects, and timing, see What to Expect When Taking Abortion Pills.


Step 5: Aftercare and Recovery

💬 Follow-Up

  • Most providers will arrange a follow-up or send aftercare instructions.
  • A home pregnancy test may be recommended after 2–4 weeks to confirm the abortion is complete.

🩸 Bleeding

  • Heavy bleeding is expected at first.
  • Spotting may last 1–2 weeks.

💊 Pain Relief

  • Use ibuprofen, up to 800mg every 6–8 hours.
  • Avoid aspirin, as it may increase bleeding.

When to Contact a Provider or Seek Emergency Care

Get medical help if you experience:

  • Soaking through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 hours straight
  • Severe pain that does not improve with ibuprofen
  • Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) lasting more than 24 hours
  • Faintness, vomiting, or symptoms that feel dangerous

Emotional Support Is Available

Abortion affects everyone differently. You might feel relief, sadness, peace, or a mix of emotions. There’s no “right” way to feel.

Free, confidential support:


Final Reminders

  • Only take abortion pills after speaking with a licensed provider.
  • Always follow the specific instructions given to you.
  • Never substitute online guides for professional medical care.