An MTP Kit (medical termination of pregnancy kit) typically contains mifepristone and misoprostol, medicines used together for medication abortion. In the United States, the FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is used to end an intrauterine pregnancy through 70 days (10 weeks) from the first day of the last menstrual period. Products marketed as MTP Kits can differ in contents, packaging, and instructions, so check these details before use.

What is an MTP Kit?

An MTP Kit is a medication combination used for medical abortion, most commonly containing:

Mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy.
Misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and helps expel the pregnancy.

In the U.S., the FDA-approved regimen uses 200 mg of mifepristone followed by 800 mcg of misoprostol. However, “MTP Kit” is a commonly used product term, not the name of one standardized FDA-approved U.S. product. Contents and instructions can vary between products.

What is an MTP Kit Used For?

In the United States, mifepristone used with misoprostol is FDA-approved for ending an intrauterine pregnancy through 70 days (10 weeks).

Medication abortion is different from treatment for an ectopic pregnancy. Mifepristone and misoprostol do not treat an ectopic pregnancy.

What does an MTP Kit include?

A typical MTP Kit contains mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone

Mifepristone blocks progesterone. This interferes with the hormonal support needed for pregnancy to continue.

Misoprostol

Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and helps expel the pregnancy.

Because products labeled “MTP Kit” may differ, check the medicines and instructions supplied with the product. Do not assume that instructions for one kit apply to another.

MTP Kit Dosage and How to Use It

The following describes the FDA-approved U.S. mifepristone regimen. It should not be interpreted as the instructions for every product sold as an “MTP Kit.”

1. Day 1: Mifepristone

The approved regimen uses 200 mg of mifepristone taken by mouth.

2. 24–48 hours later: Misoprostol

The approved regimen uses 800 mcg of misoprostol taken buccally, meaning placed in the cheek pouch.

3. Follow-up

Follow the care plan provided by your healthcare professional.

FDA information describes follow-up with a healthcare provider approximately 7–14 days after taking mifepristone. At the same time, the WHO states that a routine follow-up visit is not medically necessary after an uncomplicated medical abortion, although information and access to additional care should be available if needed or desired.

The appropriate follow-up plan can depend on your symptoms, clinical circumstances, and the care pathway being used.

What Happens After Taking an MTP Kit?

Cramping and vaginal bleeding are expected after medication abortion. Bleeding may be heavier than a normal menstrual period, and blood clots or pregnancy tissue may pass.

Most patients expel the pregnancy within 2–24 hours after taking misoprostol, although individual experiences vary.

Bleeding or spotting can continue after the pregnancy passes. Other effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, weakness, fever, or chills.

Symptoms should gradually improve. If you develop severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare professional rather than assuming they are part of the normal process.

MTP Kit Side Effects

Common effects associated with medication abortion can include:

Vaginal bleeding
Abdominal cramping
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Fever or chills

The intensity and duration of symptoms vary from person to person.

Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, prolonged fever, or feeling very unwell after treatment can require prompt medical evaluation.

MTP Kit Safety and Contraindications

Mifepristone with misoprostol should not be used in certain circumstances. FDA-listed contraindications include:

Pregnancy beyond 70 days (10 weeks)
Confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy
Certain adrenal-gland problems
Long-term corticosteroid therapy
Allergy to mifepristone, misoprostol, or similar medicines
Certain bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medicines
Inherited porphyria
An IUD in place; the IUD must be removed before taking mifepristone

Your healthcare professional should review your medical history and medicines before determining whether medication abortion is appropriate for you.

Can an MTP Kit Treat an Ectopic Pregnancy?

No. An MTP Kit does not treat an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. It can cause serious internal bleeding if it ruptures.

Seek urgent medical evaluation for symptoms that could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, including severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain, particularly one-sided pain, or fainting or severe dizziness.

Confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy is a contraindication to the FDA-approved mifepristone regimen because mifepristone and misoprostol do not treat an ectopic pregnancy.

Do You Need an Ultrasound Before Taking an MTP Kit?

Not every patient needs an ultrasound before medication abortion.

The FDA does not require an in-person visit for every patient before mifepristone is prescribed. Clinical evaluation of pregnancy duration, pregnancy location, and possible contraindications can be performed using different approaches depending on the patient's circumstances.

An ultrasound or other evaluation may be appropriate when pregnancy dating is uncertain, symptoms suggest an ectopic pregnancy, or there are other clinical reasons for additional assessment.

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?

Contact your healthcare professional promptly or seek urgent medical care if you experience:

Heavy bleeding, such as soaking through two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours
Severe abdominal pain or pain that is worsening or not adequately relieved
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher lasting more than four hours
Abdominal pain or feeling very unwell, including weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, more than 24 hours after misoprostol
Fainting, severe dizziness, or marked weakness
Symptoms that could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, such as severe or persistent one-sided abdominal or pelvic pain

If you cannot reach your healthcare professional promptly and you have severe symptoms, seek emergency medical care.

How Effective Is an MTP Kit?

The FDA-approved combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is an established medication-abortion regimen for an intrauterine pregnancy through 70 days.

Medication abortion does not result in a complete abortion in every case. If the pregnancy continues or the abortion is incomplete, additional medical or procedural treatment may be needed.

If you have ongoing pregnancy symptoms or concerns that the abortion was not complete, contact your healthcare professional.

MTP Kit vs. Surgical Abortion

Both medication abortion and procedural abortion can end an early pregnancy, but they work differently.

Medication abortion uses medicines to end the pregnancy and cause the uterus to expel the pregnancy tissue. Cramping and bleeding occur during the process.

Procedural abortion uses a medical procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.

The appropriate option can depend on pregnancy duration, medical circumstances, personal preferences, availability, and applicable laws.

Can an MTP Kit Affect Future Fertility?

Medication abortion does not generally prevent a person from becoming pregnant in the future. Fertility can return soon after an abortion.

If you do not want to become pregnant again, ask a healthcare professional about contraception and when it can be started.

MTP Kit Price

The price of an MTP Kit or medication-abortion care can vary depending on the medicines supplied, healthcare services, pharmacy, shipping, insurance coverage, and other costs.

A product price alone may not represent the total cost of care. Check what is included before comparing prices.

The FDA does not set the price of mifepristone; manufacturers, distributors, and retailers establish drug prices.

Can You Get an MTP Kit Without a Prescription?

No. Mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy through 10 weeks is prescription-only in the United States. It is subject to the FDA's Mifepristone REMS Program.

Under the current REMS:

Mifepristone must be prescribed by a certified healthcare provider.
It may be dispensed by or under the supervision of a certified prescriber or by a certified pharmacy on a prescription from a certified prescriber.
Certified pharmacies may dispense mifepristone by mail under the applicable requirements.
An in-person visit with the prescriber is not required by the REMS for every patient.

The FDA does not recommend purchasing mifepristone outside the approved REMS pathway or from foreign sources because it cannot assure the safety, effectiveness, or quality of medicines outside the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MTP Kit the same as abortion pills?

The term MTP Kit commonly refers to a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, medicines used together for medication abortion, sometimes referred to as abortion pills. However, products sold as MTP Kits can differ in their contents and instructions.

How far into pregnancy can mifepristone and misoprostol be used in the U.S.?

The FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is indicated for an intrauterine pregnancy through 70 days (10 weeks) from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Do I need an ultrasound?

Not necessarily. The need for ultrasound or another evaluation depends on the clinical situation, including pregnancy dating, symptoms, medical history, and concerns about ectopic pregnancy.

How long does bleeding last after medication abortion?

Bleeding or spotting can continue after the pregnancy passes, and the duration varies. Contact your healthcare professional if bleeding becomes unusually heavy or you are concerned about your symptoms.

Can an MTP Kit treat an ectopic pregnancy?

No. Mifepristone and misoprostol do not treat an ectopic pregnancy. Suspected ectopic pregnancy requires appropriate medical evaluation.

Can I become pregnant again after using an MTP Kit?

Yes. Fertility can return soon after an abortion. Talk with a healthcare professional if you want information about contraception or future pregnancy planning.

About This MTP Kit Guide

This guide provides general information about MTP Kits and medication abortion for people in the United States. Pill Access facilitates access to abortion care by connecting users with licensed healthcare professionals. The healthcare professional independently reviews the information provided and determines whether medication abortion is appropriate.

This guide does not replace individualized medical advice or the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.

Sources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation
World Health Organization (WHO) — Abortion Care Guideline, 2nd edition, 2025
National Library of Medicine (NLM) — The Safety and Quality of Abortion Care in the United States

Written By: Adrian Felix (Medical Content Writer)
Reviewed By: Dr. Alice Payne (Medical Reviewer)

MTP Kit: Uses, Side Effects, Safety & Price