What Is Abortion Pill Reversal?
Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) is a treatment used to reverse the effects of the chemical abortion process (medication abortion, abortion pill, medical abortion, RU-486) [1][2][3]. If you regret starting a chemical abortion or simply want more time to consider your decision, the abortion pill reversal offers a second chance to choose life. You can get help at the APR helpline at 877.558.0333 and through our website.
Abortion Pill Reversal Treatment
There are a few aspects of abortion pill reversal treatment. First, we will do an ultrasound as soon as possible to confirm the baby’s heart rate, placement, and dating of the pregnancy. Second, the doctor or other medical provider will prescribe progesterone, given as a pill to be taken orally, vaginally, or possibly by intramuscular injection. This treatment will usually continue through the first trimester of pregnancy.
Use of Progesterone
Progesterone is a natural hormone that a woman’s body produces during pregnancy. Mifepristone (abortion pill) blocks progesterone’s actions by binding to progesterone receptors in the uterus and the placenta. Since Progesterone is the natural hormone in a woman’s body that is necessary to nurture and sustain a pregnancy [4] by giving extra progesterone, the hope is to outnumber and outcompete the mifepristone. Increasing the natural hormone helps to reverse the effects of mifepristone.[5] It is your best chance to save your pregnancy after taking the abortion pill.
Side Effects of Progesterone
Progesterone side effects coincide with symptoms already associated with pregnancy. Progesterone may cause sleepiness, lack of energy, lightheadedness, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and headaches. Increased fluid intake might help relieve these symptoms. It is important that you follow all of the instructions of your APR provider carefully. If you have any questions, contact your provider.
Success Rate of APR
Initial studies of APR have shown that APR has a 64-68% success rate. Without the APR treatment, mifepristone may fail to abort the pregnancy on its own. In other words, your pregnancy may continue even without APR if you decide not to take misoprostol, the second abortion drug likely prescribed or provided to you when you took mifepristone. APR has been shown to increase the chances of allowing the pregnancy to continue.
However, the outcome of your particular reversal attempt cannot be guaranteed.[6]
How to Reverse A Chemical Abortion
If you choose to reverse the effects of mifepristone and continue your pregnancy, you can call the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline at 877.558.0333 or go to the APR website to begin a live chat. The APR Healthcare Team is waiting to help.
[1] Mifeprex REMS Study Group (2017). Sixteen Years of Overregulation: Time to Unburden Mifeprex. New England Journal of Medicine.
[2] Medication Abortion. Mayo Clinic Web Site. Medical Abortion Overview. Published July 7, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
[3] Medical Management of First Trimester Abortion. Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetricians-Gynecologists Practice Bulletin. Number 143. March 2014.
[4] Progesterone Treatment to Help Prevent Premature Birth. March of Dimes Web Site. Progesterone Treatment to Help Prevent Premature Birth. Published 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
[5] Hormones in Pregnancy. Niger Med J. 2012 Oct;53(4):179-83. doi: 10.4103/0300-1652.107549.
[6]Delgado, G, M.D., Condly, S. Ph.D., Davenport, M, M.D., M.S.,Tinnakornsrisuphap, T Ph.D., Mack, J., Ph.D., NP, RN, Khauv, V., B.S., and Zhou, P. A Case Series Detailing the Successful Reversal of the Effects of Mifepristone Using Progesterone. Issues in Law & Medicine, Volume 33, Number 1, 2018.