The woman stays at the clinic for the next 4-6 hours. A woman must return several days later for a physician's examination to make sure the abortion is complete and to determine if she has experienced any side effects. Bleeding, similar to a heavy period, lasts on average for 10-12 days. Common side effects include bleeding, menstrual-type pain and cramping, which are comparable to those of surgical abortion. Women needing painkillers are given analgesics.
Some women also experience some nausea, vomiting or diarrhea from the prostaglandin.
About one percent of women who take the drug combination experience heavy bleeding which requires further treatment. These women then required surgical abortions. It has close to the same level of effectiveness as surgical abortion performed during the early weeks. Of course, RU 486 cannot be used by all women. Those who have been receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy, who have a blood clotting disorder, chronic adrenal gland failure, an ectopic pregnancy, or any contraindication to prostaglandins are not able to use this method of abortion.