Retail Pharmacies Can Now Dispense Abortion Pills With a Doctor's Prescription

A medication abortion (also called abortion pills) is when you take pills to end a pregnancy. The combination of the medications, mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol (Cytotec), is FDA approved to end pregnancies that are within 70 days (10 weeks) of your last menstrual period. If you live in a state where abortion is legal, a medication abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy.

Over half of all abortions in 2020 were medication abortions. But up until recently, there were extra barriers to getting an abortion pill prescription filled. In January 2023, the FDA made a change in how you can get abortion pills. Retail pharmacies are now able to dispense them, just like they would with other prescription medications. So how does this change things? Let’s dive in and find out.

What are abortion pills?

Abortion pills consist of two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first to block progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to grow. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes your uterus to push the pregnancy tissue out of your body.

Can you legally get abortion pills?

The answer to this question depends on where you live. In states where medical abortions are legal, you can now get abortion pills from a certified retail pharmacy if you have a prescription from a certified provider. There are certain requirements a provider must meet in order to be certified. So not every healthcare provider is able to prescribe mifepristone.

In states with abortion restrictions or bans, you won’t be able to get an abortion prescription or get it filled. If you want to learn more about your state’s abortion restrictions and how to access abortion pills, the Guttmacher Institute provides a summary of state abortion laws.

Do you need a prescription for abortion pills?

Yes. You always need a prescription from a certified healthcare provider to get abortion pills. In some states, you may be able to get a prescription through an online consultation and take your abortion pills at home. In other states, you may need to be seen in person before being able to get a prescription for a medication abortion.

If abortion is legal in your state, your primary care provider may be able to get you set up with a prescription. You can also check with your local reproductive health clinic, like Planned Parenthood.

Telehealth services may work too, if your state allows it. Examples of telehealth abortion pill providers include:

• Abortion On Demand

• Hey Jane

• Choix

• Just The Pill

• Carafem

Where can you get abortion pills?

If abortion is legal where you live, and you have a prescription for abortion pills, you can now get them from any retail pharmacy.

That’s a big change. Until the FDA’s ruling in January 2023, mifepristone couldn’t be dispensed at most retail pharmacies. The medication could only be dispensed by a certified healthcare provider or pharmacy.

But keep in mind, pharmacies still have to take extra steps to obtain an FDA certification to fill mifepristone prescriptions. They’ll also have to order the medication to have in stock. That means not all pharmacies will have abortion pills readily available. It’s best to call ahead to your preferred pharmacy to see if they’re able to dispense mifepristone.

The same restrictions haven’t applied to misoprostol. But a medication abortion works better if you can take mifepristone and misoprostol together, as recommended by the FDA.

How can I save on abortion pills?

There are many ways to save on mifepristone and misoprostol, which are available as both brand-name and generic medications.

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price of the generic versions. Generic mifepristone’s price at certain pharmacies may be as low as $ with a free GoodRx discount. Generic misoprostol’s price at certain pharmacies may be as low as $7.06 with a free GoodRx discount.

• Locate an abortion fund near you. There are programs available across the country that can help with the costs of abortions. Be sure to check the National Network of Abortion Funds website for locations and more information.

Tips for taking the abortion pill at home

Abortions can be safely managed at home, though some state laws require in-clinic supervision.

You should get clear instruction from your healthcare provider for how to take abortion pills, and what to expect from the medication abortion.

Here are six simple tips to remember:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your healthcare provider is there to answer questions you have. Whether it’s about how to take the pills, what to expect, or when to follow up with them, ask away.

2. Start your abortion pills as soon as you can. Abortions pills can only be used during the first 10 weeks of a pregnancy. The further you are into a pregnancy, the less effective they become.

3. Take the medications at the right times. It’s important to take the mifepristone first, followed by misoprostol 24 to 48 hours later. Taking them in this way helps them to be most effective.

4. Know what side effects to expect. Cramping and vaginal bleeding are expected after taking the abortion pills. Nausea, weakness, and chills are also typical during the first 24 hours after taking your misoprostol dose.

5. Follow up with your healthcare provider on time. You’ll be asked to check in with your provider 7 to 14 days after taking abortion pills. They’ll want to make sure you’re no longer pregnant and that you’re not having complications.

6. Know when to get help. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. If you haven’t experienced any bleeding after taking the misoprostol, contact your healthcare provider. You should also seek help if you’re having heavy bleeding or abdominal cramping that doesn’t let up, or if you’re passing large clots for more than 2 hours. If you have a fever that lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol or smelly vaginal discharge, that could be a sign of an infection. And, don’t underestimate the emotional impact of an abortion: if your emotions are getting in the way of your recovery, ask for help.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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If you’re concerned about an unplanned pregnancy and want to understand your options, help is available. You can call the National Abortion Federation hotline at 1-800-772-9100, the Repro Legal Helpline at 1-844-868-2812, or visit the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project.