Cytotec

Cytotec is the widely recognized brand name for misoprostol, one of the two medicines used in a medication abortion.

If mifepristone is not available, an abortion can also be done using only misoprostol pills (also called Cytotec tablets).

When used as recommended, abortion with misoprostol is 85% effective, depending on the length of the pregnancy.

Cytotec is available at some local pharmacies and this may be a safer option to terminate your pregnancy as you'll have faster access to the medication. In order to self-manage an abortion up to 12 weeks using only misoprostol, you will need 12 tablets within a 6-7-hour period.

If you are only using misoprostol to do an abortion, it is important you know how far along you are. If you do an abortion using only misoprostol after 12 weeks, the risk of heavy bleeding, severe pain, and/or complications increases the further into your pregnancy you are (similar to using mifepristone and misoprostol after 12 weeks).

Please read more comprehensive instructions and information on how to do an abortion using only misoprostol in our frequently asked questions page.