Cytotec, Bottle

Chemical Name: MISOPROSTOL

Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects.

Common uses

This medicine is a prostaglandin used to prevent stomach ulcers in certain patients. It is also used in combination with another drug to end pregnancy. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

WARNING: Use of this medicine during pregnancy can cause abortion, premature birth, or birth defects. Rupture of the womb (uterus) has occurred in pregnant women using misoprostol to start labor, or when using it to cause abortion after the eighth week of pregnancy. Misoprostol should not be taken to reduce the risk of ulcers due to aspirin or related drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) if you are pregnant. This drug should not be used to reduce the risk of NSAID ulcers if you are of childbearing age, unless you are at high risk of having an ulcer, or ulcer complications. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medicine for this purpose. If a woman must use this medicine, four requirements must be met: 1) negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting use of misoprostol; 2) be able to use effective measures to prevent pregnancy (contraception); 3) receive oral and written warnings on the dangers of misoprostol use in women of childbearing age and the risks of possible birth control failure; 4) must begin taking this drug only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period. This medicine must not be shared with others. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including stomach or intestinal disorders, any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while taking this drug for ulcer prevention. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. USE OF THIS MEDICINE DURING PREGNANCY has resulted in fetal and newborn death, or harm or death in the mother. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, gas, headache, vomiting, and constipation. If they continue and are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience menstrual irregularities or unusual/heavy vaginal bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, and slow heart rate.