Misoprostol typically starts working within a few hours after use, and most people begin to experience cramping and vaginal bleeding around 4 to 6 hours after taking it. Bleeding can be heavy and tissue passage often occurs within the first 24 hours, though it may take longer in some people or require more than one dose. A full medication abortion with the standard regimen (mifepristone followed by misoprostol 24–48 hours later) commonly finishes within 2–7 days, with some symptoms lasting a few weeks. If there is no bleeding within 24 hours after misoprostol, or if bleeding is unusually brief or absent, contact a healthcare provider. A follow-up appointment is often recommended about 1–2 weeks after completing the medications to confirm the abortion is complete. Key points to know:
- Onset: Cramping and bleeding usually begin within 4–6 hours after taking misoprostol; some people notice effects sooner or later.
- Passage: Pregnancy tissue is typically passed within 4–24 hours after bleeding starts, though it can take longer in some cases.
- Duration of symptoms: Bleeding can last up to 2 weeks or more, with cramps easing over days.
- When to seek care: If there’s no bleeding within 24 hours after misoprostol, if bleeding is extremely heavy, if you have severe pain, fever, or signs of infection, or if you suspect miscarriage or incomplete abortion.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your specific regimen (dosage and route) or provide a quick checklist for home care and red flags to monitor.
