Cytotec

Cytotec Drug Information

• Cytotec Overview

  Cytotec is used to prevent stomach ulcers while you take NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), especially if you are at risk for developing ulcers or have a history of ulcers. Misoprostol helps to decrease your risk of serious ulcer complications such as bleeding. Cytotec protects your stomach lining by lowering the amount of acid that comes in contact with it. Cytotec is also used in combination with another drug (mifepristone) to end a pregnancy (abortion).

• Cytotec Warnings

  Do not take Cytotec if you think that you may be pregnant. It may cause abortion, premature birth, or birth defects. In rare cases, serious complications (e.g., uterine rupture) have occurred when misoprostol was used to start labor or when used in combination with another drug to cause abortion after the eighth week of pregnancy. These complications have resulted in harm to the unborn baby and mother. Avoid pregnancy while taking misoprostol and for at least one month or one completed menstrual cycle after you have stopped treatment. If you become pregnant while taking misoprostol, contact your doctor right away. If you are pregnant, do not take Cytotec to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers due to aspirin or other related drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen). Also, if you are of childbearing age, do not use Cytotec to reduce the risk of ulcers from NSAIDs unless you are at high risk of having an ulcer or ulcer complications.1) test negative for pregnancy within two weeks before starting treatment; 2) use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy; 3) receive oral and written warnings on the dangers of using misoprostol while of childbearing age and the risks of possible birth control failure; 4) start taking misoprostol only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period. Cytotec must not be shared with others.

• How to Use Cytotec

  This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. If you have any questions about Cytotec, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Dosage of Cytotec is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are taking Cytotec to prevent stomach ulcers, take it by mouth usually four times a day, after meals and at bedtime to minimize diarrhea, or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking Cytotec for abortion, take it by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are using Cytotec to start labor, your healthcare professional will insert it into your vagina. Avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium while using misoprostol because they may make the diarrhea it causes worse. If you need an antacid, consult your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose a product. For ulcer prevention, continue to take Cytotec for as long as you take NSAIDs. Use Cytotec regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Cytotec at the same times each day. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Cytotec Precautions

  Before taking misoprostol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Cytotec may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Cytotec, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease), risk factors for uterine rupture when Cytotec is used vaginally (e.g., prior Cesarean delivery, uterine surgery, five or more previous pregnancies). Daily use of alcohol and tobacco may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol beverages and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. If you are taking Cytotec in combination with mifepristone to end a pregnancy, an incomplete abortion may rarely occur. It is very important for you to be closely monitored by your doctor and to keep your scheduled appointments to follow your progress. Be sure to have clear instructions from your doctor about who to call and what to do in case of an emergency. Expect vaginal bleeding after you take the combined medicine, however tell your doctor right away if you develop any unlikely symptoms such as severe/prolonged vaginal bleeding, signs of infection (including fever, chills), or fainting. Cytotec must not be used during pregnancy to prevent stomach ulcers because of possible harm to an unborn baby (see also Warnings). If you are of childbearing age, use effective birth control methods while taking misoprostol and for at least one month or one completed menstrual cycle after you stop taking it. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor right away. Cytotec passes into breast milk. However, Cytotec is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Cytotec Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Cytotec, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Cytotec Interactions

  See also the How to Use section. Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using Cytotec, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

• Cytotec Side Effects

  What are Cytotec side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Cytotec may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Cytotec as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Cytotec

  The side effects of Cytotec may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Cytotec. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Cytotec may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Cytotec, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Cytotec.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Cytotec, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Cytotec and the side effects associated with Cytotec are described in the following:

  Common Cytotec Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain with cramps

  Less Frequent Cytotec Side Effects

  Severe

  • abnormal hepatic function tests

  Less Severe

  • constipation
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • flatulence
  • dyspepsia

  Rare or Very Rare Cytotec Side Effects

  Severe

  • uterine rupture in pregnancy
  • anaphylaxis
  • seizure disorder
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • thromboembolic disorder
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • purpura
  • hearing loss
  • anemia
  • gout
  • CNS toxicity
  • tachycardia

  Less Severe

  • uterine cramps
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • chills
  • menstrual disorder
  • dysmenorrhea
  • myalgias
  • general weakness
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • skin inflammation
  • alopecia
  • pallor
  • mastalgia
  • dysgeusia
  • visual changes
  • conjunctivitis
  • tinnitus
  • upper respiratory infection
  • acute confusion
  • dyspnea
  • epistaxis
  • chest pain
  • edema
  • hyperhidrosis
  • hypotension
  • hypertension
  • phlebitis
  • syncope
  • dysphagia
  • gingivitis
  • polyuria
  • dysuria
  • hematuria
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • depression
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • erectile dysfunction
  • earache
  • arthralgias
  • cramps
  • back pain
  • skin rash
  • agitation

• Cytotec Storage

  Store at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a dry place away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Cytotec when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.