Mifegymiso

We Believe Your Contraception Has to Work With You, Not Against You

At the Integrated Health Clinic, we’re proud to deliver personalized, lifestyle-aligned contraception solutions that meet your unique needs and goals.

It’s time for solutions that truly put you first. Because you deserve options that respect your body, plans, and future. Our holistic, evidence-informed naturopathic approach means we consider your whole-body health and prioritize your comfort during each step of the journey.

Mifegymiso®- Medical Abortion Pill

Medical Abortion Pill (Mifegymiso)

The medical abortion pill has been utilized around the world since 1980. It is health Canada approved for the termination of pregnancies up to 63 days post last menstrual period (LMP), but has evidence for it’s use up to 70 days. Mifegymiso consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. The mifepristone is taken orally and is followed by misoprostol 24-48 hours later. The average time for bleeding and passing the conceptus is 4-6 hours after taking the misoprostol.

  • The medical abortion pill is 97% effective up to 49 days post-LMP and 95% effective up to 70 days post-LMP.  In <1% of people it won’t be completely effective, and a surgical abortion will be required. Another 4% of people may have to repeat the misoprostol, or may choose to do surgical abortion to ensure complete passing of the conceptus.

  • Most of the side effects are associated with the misoprostol medication. The most common symptoms are bleeding and cramping. Bleeding up to 2 large pads/hour for 2 hours is normal. Anything more than that should be further assessed. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills. These symptoms may last 4-6 hours, and can generally be easily managed with ibuprofen, naproxen, gravol, or other medications that may be prescribed at the initial visit.

  • No, there is no indication that having a medical abortion with mifegymiso decreases future fertility. The medications leave the body within 7 days and have no bearing on fertility or future pregnancies.

  • If you are more than 10 weeks from your last period, or have any of the below conditions:

    • on blood thinners

    • allergic to the medications

    • have blood clotting problems

    • porphyria

    • severe anemia

    • uncontrolled asthma

    • uncontrolled seizures

  • No, you cannot change your mind after taking mifepristone. There are potential birth defects associated with the mifegymiso portion of the treatment, so it must be completed with the second medication misoprostol.

  • PROS

    Medical Abortion Pill (MA)
    97% effective up to 49 days, 95% up to 70. Done at home with privacy, can seem like a miscarriage. No anaesthesia or instruments needed. Can have a support person with you. Quick access to MA treatment.

    Surgical Abortion (SA)
    99% effective and can be utilized further along in pregnancy. Less bleeding, and less chance of retained contents post procedure. Less follow ups needed.


    CONS

    Medical Abortion Pill (MA)
    Bleeding and cramping associated. Medications may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Follow up appointments to ensure effectiveness.

    Surgical Abortion (SA)
    Must go to an abortion clinic offering surgical procedure. Less control over support person with you.

    Less privacy, more wait time.

    Surgical abortions are not offered at Integrated Health Clinics. You will be referred out to a local centre should this procedure be deemed necessary.

  • If you have a valid BC Medical Card, the abortion medication is free; however, there are charges for the doctor visits.  If you do not have a valid BC Medical Care Card, you will need to pay an additional $400.00 (approximately) for the medications at the pharmacy.

    The cost for the appointments are:

    • $200 – initial 30-minute consultation (includes ultrasound)

    • $115 – initial lab testing

    • $85 – follow up lab testing

    • Total- $400.00

    Further additional costs may be incurred on a per-patient basis if the procedure requires further follow up consultations, or should an IUD insertion be requested.

Appointment Process

  • Fill out MA inquiry form (below).

  • Care coordinator will call to book either a medical abortion 15-minute screening visit (optional) or a 30-minute consultation + ultrasound with the doctor.

  • Lab work will be ordered, if suitable Mifegymiso will be prescribed.

  • Repeat blood work 3-7 days post initiating treatment.

  • 7-10 day follow up in person or phone consult (mandatory to ensure effectiveness and no complications).

Other visits may be required should any complications arise. Birth control options are discussed and IUD insertions, contraceptive rods can be placed at 10-14 day follow up visit.

Dr. Karen Parmar, ND is a member of the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC). She first completed the medical abortion training course in 2018 and has recently completed the SOGC revised MA course. Dr. Parmar is a member of RAICE (Rapid access IUD centres of Excellence) and provides emergency IUD insertions for up to 7 days post unprotected intercourse (UPI). 

All medical abortion inquiries must be submitted by completing this form below. Any inquiries through email or phone will be directed back to complete the MA inquiry form below.

We make every effort to respond within 24-36 hours (except Sundays within 48-60 hours).

Medical Abortion Inquiry

Doctors Providing Contraceptive Services

Dr. Karen Parmar

Dr. Jennifer Kerr, ND