How to take Mifepristone & Misoprostol
A clear, evidence-based usage guide. Read this fully before starting — and reach out on WhatsApp any time you have a question.
This guide complements — not replaces — your doctor consultation.
All Lola customers receive a virtual consultation with a licensed SA provider before treatment. Always follow the personalised instructions from your doctor. The information here is the standard WHO-recommended protocol used worldwide.
The two medications
Used together, Mifepristone and Misoprostol are over 95% effective in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Mifepristone
Dose: 1 tablet (200 mg)
How: Swallow with water.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone that maintains pregnancy. It prepares the body for the second medication.
Misoprostol
Dose: 4 tablets (200 mcg each = 800 mcg total)
How: Place 2 tablets between your cheek and gum on each side. Let them dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow what's left with water.
Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Step-by-step instructions
Day 1 — take Mifepristone
Swallow the single Mifepristone (200 mg) tablet with water. You can eat normally before or after. Most people feel nothing immediately — that's expected.
Pick a day you can rest at home for the next 24–48 hours.
24–48 hours later — take Misoprostol
Wait at least 24 hours (and no more than 48 hours) after Mifepristone. Then place 2 Misoprostol tablets in each cheek pouch (4 total). Let them dissolve for 30 minutes — keep the tablets between your cheek and gums; do not swallow them whole. After 30 minutes, drink water and swallow whatever remains.
Be at home with a trusted person if possible. Have pads, water, and pain medication ready.
Cramping & bleeding (within 1–4 hours of Misoprostol)
Strong cramps and heavy bleeding usually start within 1–4 hours of taking Misoprostol. You may pass large blood clots — this is normal. Bleeding is typically heavier than a period for the first few hours.
Use a hot water bottle, ibuprofen 400-600 mg every 6 hours, and rest. Avoid aspirin.
The next 1–2 weeks
Bleeding gradually reduces over 1–2 weeks (some spotting may continue up to 4 weeks). Avoid sex, tampons, and swimming until bleeding stops. Take a pregnancy test 3–4 weeks later — if it's still positive, contact us.
Our team checks in on you the next day. WhatsApp anytime.
What to expect
Common side effects — these are normal signs the medication is working.
Heavy bleeding
Heavier than a period for a few hours. Soak about 1 maxi pad per hour during the heaviest 2–4 hours.
Strong cramping
Like very heavy period cramps. Ibuprofen, a hot water bottle, and rest help.
Blood clots
You may pass clots — even quite large ones. This is normal.
Mild fever / chills
A few hours of low-grade fever or chills is common and harmless.
Nausea / diarrhoea
Usually short-lived. The Medical Abortion Kit includes anti-nausea medication.
Tiredness
Plan to rest for 24–48 hours. Most people are back to normal activities within 2–3 days.
Call us urgently if any of these happen
Most experiences are uneventful — but be aware of the warning signs below. If you have any of these, call +27 77 246 4972 immediately, or go to your nearest emergency room.
- Soaking through more than 2 maxi pads per hour for 2 hours in a row.
- Fever above 38 °C lasting more than 24 hours, especially after Misoprostol.
- Severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by ibuprofen.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge or signs of infection.
- No bleeding at all within 24 hours of taking Misoprostol.
- Feeling faint, dizzy, weak, or unwell in a way that worries you.
Frequently asked questions
How effective are these pills?
Over 95% effective when used correctly within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
How long does the whole process take?
Most people complete the process within 24–48 hours from taking Misoprostol. Bleeding tapers off over 1–2 weeks.
What if I do not feel anything after taking the pills?
Some people start cramping within 30 minutes; others take 4–6 hours. If you have no bleeding 24 hours after Misoprostol, contact us — we may need to repeat the dose.
Can I take painkillers?
Yes — ibuprofen 400–600 mg every 6 hours works best. Paracetamol is also fine. Avoid aspirin (it can increase bleeding).
When can I have sex again?
Wait at least until bleeding stops (typically 1–2 weeks). Fertility returns immediately, so use contraception if you don't want to fall pregnant again.
How will I know it worked?
Take a pregnancy test 3–4 weeks after Misoprostol. If it's negative, the abortion was successful. If still positive, contact us — sometimes a second dose or further evaluation is needed.
Need the medication?
Mifepristone & Misoprostol from R800 with free, discreet, nationwide delivery and a virtual doctor consultation.
Order Pills