The Morgentaler Clinic in Montreal is committed to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. The clinic is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the clinic (514-844-4844). For urgent matters outside these hours, you can call the emergency line (514-594-2794) and speak to a nurse. If you are unable to reach our nurse, you can call 811 (Info-Santé). Insert the four misoprostol tablets between your cheek and gum. After 30 minutes, swallow what’s left in your mouth and drink water. If you vomit after the 30-minute period, you do not need to take the medication again. Be at home in a relaxing environment when you take the misoprostol and for several hours afterwards. It’s recommended that you be accompanied by an adult for support during periods of severe cramping and bleeding. Some women may experience the following symptoms: chills, diarrhea, nausea, headache, fainting, hot flashes, rash or itching, vomiting. These symptoms usually last less than 24 hours. Your normal period may take up to 8 weeks (sometimes longer) to return. You can resume sexual activity after one week, if bleeding has subsided. However, without contraception, you are not protected against a new pregnancy. You can use tampons once the bleeding has subsided, usually after a week. You can become pregnant immediately after a medical abortion. This should be avoided before your next period, to prevent birth defects. A nurse from the clinic will contact you by telephone 10-12 days after taking the medication. This assessment will determine whether follow-up is necessary. If you have been given an appointment for further blood tests earlier than expected, it is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL for your health that you attend this appointment. This will help eliminate the possibility of a pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). Vous devez faire le test de grossesse que l’infirmière vous a remis 4 semaines après la prise des médicaments. Vous devez nous appeler s’il est positif. Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking two or more sanitary towels every hour for two consecutive hours or the presence of fist-sized clots). Prolonged bleeding (more than 21 days) or intense cramps. Cramps/pains that do not improve despite analgesics. Fever of 38°C or more or chills lasting 6 hours or longer. Any abnormal vaginal discharge. If 24 hours after taking the second drug (misoprostol): weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized malaise. Home instructions
After the medical abortion
How to reach our clinic
In the event of an emergency requiring rapid intervention, please go to the nearest hospital.
Misoprostol (2nd medication)
24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone (1st medication):
What to expect
Bleeding
Bleeding usually begins within 24 hours of taking misoprostol. In some women, it may be earlier or later.
Bleeding may be profuse, containing large clots or tissue for 7 to 10 days.
Bleeding usually subsides over the next 10 days.
Slight bleeding and discharge may continue for up to 6 weeks.
Pain
Intense cramping is normal after taking misoprostol. Cramps may be more painful than those experienced during menstruation.
How to relieve cramps
Take 600 mg Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 6 hours. Maximum 2400 mg per day for up to 3-5 days.
Take Tylenol 1000 mg every 6 hours. Maximum 4000 mg per day for up to 3-5 days.
Take the narcotic (Tramadol or Codeine) prescribed by your doctor.
Drink warm liquids, apply a heating pad to the abdomen, change position frequently.
Do NOT take aspirin.
get some rest.
Call us if you're not relieved.
Other side effects
In the event of an emergency requiring rapid intervention, please go to the nearest hospital.
More information
Contraception
Control call and follow-up
Immediately contact our out-of-hours clinic or emergency hotline or call 811 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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