Yes, experiencing chills is a common and normal side effect of taking the second medication, misoprostol.
As your body reacts to the misoprostol, it is very common to experience temporary flu-like symptoms. These often include shivering, mild to moderate chills, nausea, or a slightly elevated body temperature. These symptoms are typically transient and usually resolve on their own within a few hours as the medication processes through your system. To learn more about standard physical experiences during the process, you can review our overview on how a virtual abortion works.
Managing Chills and Recovery
While chills are often a normal response to the medication, you can take steps to manage your comfort during the abortion pill process:
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Stay Comfortable: If you feel cold or shaky, wrap yourself in a warm blanket and rest.
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Monitor Your Temperature: If you feel feverish, take your temperature. A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that persists for more than 24 hours after taking the misoprostol can be a sign of infection and should be reported to your healthcare provider.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you are resting and drinking plenty of fluids. For further guidance on physical recovery and comfort measures, see our detailed instructions on how to heal after an abortion.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
While mild chills are expected, certain symptoms indicate that you should reach out to your clinician right away:
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Persistent Fever: A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that does not go away or starts more than 24 hours after your last dose.
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Severe Pain: Intense, sharp pelvic pain that is not managed by your recommended pain relief medication.
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Excessive Bleeding: Soaking through two or more maxi-pads per hour for two consecutive hours. You can review our resources on how to tell abortion clots vs emergency to help differentiate between normal tissue passage and heavy bleeding.
Privacy and Financial Confidentiality
Your private health records, the specifics of your recovery, and your reproductive decisions are strictly protected. We adhere to federal HIPAA regulations and stringent state privacy laws to ensure your medical information remains confidential. Your records cannot be disclosed to family, partners, or employers unless you provide express, written authorization. To learn about our comprehensive data security measures, please visit our page on is Serenity Choice Health truly private and secure.
For those seeking clinical support—including follow-up assessments or free abortion care without Medicaid—care is often covered at 100% for Illinois Medicaid (HealthChoice Illinois) members and many standard insurance plans, meaning no out-of-pocket expenses or copays. If you are concerned about insurance statements revealing your care to a primary policyholder, we offer transparent, affordable self-pay options that allow you to manage your health care completely outside of third-party billing systems.
Compassionate Support for Your Recovery
If you have concerns regarding your symptoms, need guidance on birth control and contraceptive services, or wish to review your health progress in a private setting, we invite you to connect with our clinical team. Whether you prefer a virtual visit or an in-person appointment at our abortion services in Chicago, IL location, we are here to provide the care and clarity you deserve.
Click Here to Book Your Appointment with Serenity Choice Health Now
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, specializing in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With over 20+ years of experience, he combines clinical expertise with patient-centered care to ensure safe, compassionate, and confidential reproductive healthcare.
