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Pregnancy Resource Center of
Fort Bend County Texas
4203 Ave. H, Suite 16
Rosenberg, TX 77471
(281) 232-2375
3425 Hwy 6, Suite 103
Sugar Land, TX 77478
(281) 325-0203
info@fortbendpregnancy.com
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Before taking the Morning After Pill, you should
understand what it is, what it could mean to your health and how it
works. Give
us
a call
and one of our staff will be happy to discuss it with you, confirm
your pregnancy and advise you on your options.
What is it?
The “morning after pill” is a large dose of oral contraceptive.
Known as Plan B, the pill is actually 2 tablets, one taken within 72
hours of intercourse and the second 12 hours later. It is NOT the same
as RU-486.
How does it work?
Plan B is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally
by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit
implantation. It is not effective once the process of implantation
has begun.
Things to consider
- Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman
is already pregnant.
- Plan B does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other
sexually transmitted diseases.
- The most common side effects in the Plan B clinical trial were
nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual
changes.
- The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine
use as a contraceptive.
Source: Manufacturer's Prescribing Information for Plan B (Levonorgestrel)
tablets, 0.75 mg. Mfg. by Gedeon Richter, Ltd., Budapest, Hungary
for Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., Pomona, NY 10970. Revised Feb 2004. BR-038 / 21000382503
RU486 / Abortion Pill / Medical Abortion
Before taking RU486, or Abortion Pill, you should understand what
it is, what it could mean to your health and how it works. Give us
a call and one of our staff will be happy to discuss it with
you, confirm if you're pregnant and advise you on your options.
What is it?
RU-486, also known as “the abortion pill,” is actually
a combination of two drugs -- mifepristone and misoprostol -- that
cause early abortion. It should not be used if it has been more than
7 weeks since your last period. It is NOT the same as the “morning
after pill.”
How does it work?
The first pill, mifepristone, is taken orally and blocks the hormone
progesterone needed to maintain the pregnancy. The second pill, misoprostol,
is inserted into the vagina 24 to 72 hours later, causing the uterus
to contract and expel the placenta and embryo.
Things to Consider
An RU-486 abortion requires 3 visits to a health care provider.
- Most medical abortions using mifepristone are completed within
2 weeks, but some can take up to 3 or even 4 weeks.
- Side effects include heavy bleeding, headache, diarrhea, nausea,
vomiting, and cramping.
- If this method fails, a surgical abortion will be required.
Sources:
Kaiser Family Foundation, “Issue Update: Mifepristone: An Early
Abortion Option,” July 2001.
Mifeprex® Medication Guide, Danco Laboratories, LLC, revised
7/19/05
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