What is Plan C? 

Plan C is a term that refers to a medication abortion, or an abortion that’s performed using pills only. 

While many people also call this “the abortion pill,” Plan C usually refers to two medications:

• Mifepristone (Mifeprex)

• Misoprostol (Cytotec)

These two medications work together to stop a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone — a hormone needed to establish and maintain a pregnancy. Misoprostol causes your uterus to contract and push its contents outside your body.

Plan C is available by prescription only, meaning you would have to speak with a healthcare provider before being able to obtain these medications. However, multiple telehealth services are available to help you get set up with Plan C from the privacy of your home. Specific telehealth services are discussed later on.

Plan C is Safe ?

Although the risk of complications with Plan C is low, it isn’t appropriate for everyone. You can’t take Plan C if you’re more than 11 weeks pregnant (77 days). If you’re unsure how far along you are, speak with your healthcare provider.

Mifepristone isn’t safe to take if you regularly take corticosteroids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone. Mifepristone can make corticosteroids less effective. Be sure to discuss all medication you take with your healthcare provider before taking mifepristone.

Both mifepristone and misoprostol should be avoided if you take blood thinners — such as warfarin (Coumadin) — or have a condition which causes you to bleed easier, such as porphyria.

Plan C also isn’t safe if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) or are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy (when a pregnancy has started outside of the uterus). Your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy is higher if you become pregnant with an IUD in place or after having a tubal ligation (“having your tubes tied”).

Pain management after Plan C

Bleeding and cramping are normal and expected after using Plan C. For most people, this starts after taking misoprostol, but it’s possible to have light bleeding after mifepristone. It’s best to take your dose(s) of misoprostol when you’re at home, since everyone’s experience with Plan C is different.

Cramping can be intense — typically more painful than what you’d experience during your monthly bleeding cycle. Taking over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) about an hour before your first misoprostol dose can help make cramping less severe. You can continue to take ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours as needed after taking Plan C.

Most people find that the pain lets up in about 24 hours. It’s also possible to experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, chills, and a fever during this time.