Medicine for Treating an Incomplete Miscarriage

If you have had an incomplete miscarriage with no complications, you may have the option of using medicine that causes the uterus to push out all remaining tissue. Treatment with medicine offers an alternative to surgical treatment or waiting for the miscarriage to complete. Some women may have more bleeding and cramping if they choose medicine treatment.

Misoprostol is used to soften the cervix and start uterine contractions, inducing the uterus to empty.

Medicine used to complete a miscarriage may have side effects. These may include:

  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness.
  • Chills or hot flushes (sweating and feeling overly hot).
  • Fatigue.

Other Works Consulted

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2015). Early pregnancy loss. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 150. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 125(5): 1258-1267.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerFemi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Current as ofMarch 16, 2017