Most women feel pain during an abortion with pills as the uterus contracts to remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the pain is very strong. These contractions are felt as cramps; ie: pain that comes and goes in waves.
The pain usually eases after a few hours after the first dose of Misoprostol. You can use painkillers (analgesics) to reduce the pain during an abortion with pills. Painkillers do not interfere with the abortion process.
Painkillers of the NSAID class are effective at relieving pain during an abortion with pills. Ibuprofen (Nurofen) is an NSAID painkiller and is available over the counter. Mefenamic acid (Alfoxan) is another NSAID painkiller and it is even more effective than Ibuprofen but it requires a doctor's prescription.
Paracetamol can also be used, but is less effective on its own than NSAIDs at relieving pain during an abortion with pills. It can, however, be used with NSAIDs to make them more effective. You can, for example, take Ibuprofen and Paracetamol together.
Be careful about using opioids (eg: Codeine or Tramadol). These are effective and strong painkillers but they can sedate you, and may cloud your judgement if you need to seek help.
The first dose of painkillers can be taken around one hour before the first dose of Misoprostol. Painkillers should then be taken at regular intervals until the bleeding and pain eases, as you would do if you were experiencing a heavy period.
It is not recommended to use Buscopan during an abortion with pills because this can interfere with the contractions of the uterus.