The abortion pill and Plan B are not the same drugs. They serve very different purposes and come with their own side effects.
La Luz Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions or birth control. Still, we’re committed to providing the information needed to make thoughtful decisions and understand how various drugs work. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between the abortion pill and Plan B.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill (also called medical abortion) is a set of drugs that ends a pregnancy. It does not prevent pregnancy, so it is not a form of birth control.
This regimen consists of two drugs. The first drug is called mifepristone, and it blocks progesterone, a hormone that helps the pregnancy develop and grow. Without this hormone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and ends.
The second drug taken is called misoprostol. This drug causes the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy from the body.
Women will experience cramping and bleeding from these drugs. Other side effects can occur, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Choosing abortion is a significant decision. The FDA has approved the procedure through 10 weeks gestation, so taking the drugs past this timeframe isn’t recommended.
Additionally, medical abortion drugs should be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. The abortion pill is associated with certain risks that can impact your health, so it’s critical to make a well-researched decision.
Some of these risks include:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (the body doesn’t release all the pregnancy tissue in the uterus, which might require surgical treatment)
What is Plan B?
First, know that Plan B is not an abortion method because it does not end a pregnancy that has already been implanted in the uterus.
Instead, this “morning-after pill” works as a form of emergency contraception by delaying or preventing ovulation. Unlike the abortion pill, some Plan B drugs (i.e., levonorgestrel) do not require a prescription.
As with any drug, Plan B carries specific side effects, including:
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Tender breasts
- Light bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Pain or cramps in the stomach area
Additionally, not everyone should take Plan B. For example, if you’re overweight or obese or take certain medications (like St. John’s wort), the drugs may not be effective. Some women also have allergies to the drugs used, making Plan B not an option.
There’s much to consider when learning about pregnancy and health-related issues. We’re here to cut through any confusion and be an educational resource.
No-Cost, Confidential Information
Are you experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and need more information about your options? Or perhaps you want to learn more about your reproductive health and how to avoid pregnancy without using birth control.
We can help. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today to learn more.
La Luz Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions or birth control, including emergency contraceptives.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
