If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering the abortion pill. But, what if you don’t have access to it?
You may be wondering if you use your friend’s abortion pills or if you can order them online. Perhaps you have some expired pills—would they still work? While these might seem like quick and effective solutions, they pose significant risks to your health and safety!
Before taking any drastic measures, be sure to get all the facts so you can make a safe and informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy. Keep reading to learn more.
Can I Use My Friend’s Extra Abortion Pills?
It’s illegal and unsafe to share any kind of prescription medication with others, especially the abortion pill. They may have been prescribed a specific dosage that could be harmful to you.
Aside from that, the FDA requires the abortion pill to be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider for your safety.[1]
Do Abortion Pill Dosages Change Per Person?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the dosage of mifepristone can vary per person. Additionally, the amount you should take depends on the strength of the medication.[2]
Currently, the toxic dose of misoprostol is unknown.[3] It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s orders to avoid an overdose.
Do Abortion Pills Expire?
Yes, abortion pills do expire. Mifepristone expires after about 5 years. Misoprostol has a shorter shelf-life of about 2 years.[4] Cleveland Clinic advises throwing away unused any medication after its expiration date because it won’t be as effective.[5]
Can You Order the Abortion Pill Online?
Ordering the abortion pill online can be very risky. As you search, you may come across companies who claim to deliver the abortion pill by mail. However, many of these providers are located overseas and the pills they provide may not be FDA-approved. They could be fake, expired, the wrong dosage, or even laced with harmful substances.[6]
Most importantly, you need to be in touch with a prescribing physician if complications arise. After taking the abortion pill, you may experience[7]:
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Heavy bleeding
It’s crucial to be able to meet with your prescribing physician to manage your symptoms and determine whether the pill was successful or if an infection is developing.
What Happens if the Abortion Pill Doesn’t Work?
If the abortion pill doesn’t work completely, it’s called a failed medical abortion, which occurs in about 2-8% of cases depending on how far along the pregnancy is.[8]
Some signs that may indicate the abortion pill didn’t work include[9]:
- Excessive bleeding (much more than a regular menstrual period)
- Continued bleeding after three weeks
- Belly pain that does not go away after a few days of taking the Misoprostol
- Fever
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you’ll need immediate follow-up medical care, which typically involves either taking additional medication or having a surgical procedure to complete the abortion.
It’s crucial to communicate regularly with your healthcare provider after taking the abortion pill so they can monitor your progress through follow-up appointments and address any complications promptly.
What are My Unplanned Pregnancy Options?
When that pregnancy test comes back positive, you may feel backed into a corner. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. You owe it to yourself to make an informed and empowered decision!
While Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky does not provide or refer for abortion services, we are a safe place where you can express your thoughts and feelings without judgment and explore your pregnancy options!
Whether you have questions about abortion, are curious about adoption, or are in need of parenting support, Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky is here for you. Need a pregnancy test, ultrasound, or STD/STI testing referral? We can help with that too.
All of the Facts. None of the Judgment.
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you’re not alone! The team at Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky is here to help you make an informed and empowered decision.
Give us a call at (859) 282-9878 or make an appointment online today. All services are confidential and offered at no cost!
Please be aware that Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 11). Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2025, June 1). Mifepristone (oral route) proper use. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20067123
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Cytotec® – Food and Drug Administration. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/19268slr037.pdf
- As advertised by abortion providers in August 2025.
- Misoprostol tablets. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18350-misoprostol-tablets
- See source #1.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (mifeprex): Medlineplus drug information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html#overdose
- As advertised by abortion providers in August 2025.