ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Cytotec

Generic Name: Misoprostol (MYE-soe-PROST-ol)Brand Name: Cytotec

Do not take Cytotec to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if you are pregnant. Cytotec may cause abortion, premature birth, or birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Life-threatening problems such as uterine rupture (tear) have occurred in pregnant women who have taken Cytotec to cause abortion after the eighth week of pregnancy or to induce labor. Do not share Cytotec with others.

Women of childbearing potential should not take Cytotec to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs unless there is a high risk of developing stomach ulcers or complications from stomach ulcers caused by the use of NSAIDs. If it is necessary for women of childbearing potential to take Cytotec , they must:

  • Have a negative serum pregnancy test within 2 weeks before beginning therapy
  • Comply with effective birth control measures
  • Receive written and oral warnings about the risks of taking Cytotec , the risks of possible failure of birth control methods, and the dangers to other women of childbearing potential who may take Cytotec by mistake
  • Agree to begin taking Cytotec only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period.

Cytotec is used for:

Reducing the risk of stomach ulcers in certain patients who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Cytotec is a prostaglandin. It works by reducing the amount of acid released by the stomach and protecting the stomach lining, which helps to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.

Do NOT use Cytotec if:

  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Cytotec or to similar medicines (prostaglandins)
  • you are pregnant

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cytotec :

Some medical conditions may interact with Cytotec . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

  • if you are planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have a history of heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease (eg, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]), dehydration, or other problems that may be worsened if you become dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cytotec . However, no specific interactions with Cytotec are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Cytotec may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cytotec :

Use Cytotec as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

  • An extra patient leaflet is available with Cytotec . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
  • Take Cytotec by mouth with food.
  • The last dose of the day should be taken at bedtime. Taking Cytotec after meals and at bedtime may decrease the risk of diarrhea.
  • Do not take an antacid that has magnesium in it within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Cytotec .
  • If you miss a dose of Cytotec , 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cytotec .

Important safety information:

  • Cytotec may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cytotec with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
  • Cytotec may cause diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain or cramps. If this occurs, it usually develops within the first few weeks after starting Cytotec . If these effects develop and last longer than 1 week, contact your health care provider.
  • Cytotec should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
  • If you may become pregnant, you must use an effective form of birth control while you take Cytotec . If you have questions about effective birth control, talk with your doctor.
  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Cytotec if you are pregnant. It has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. Avoid becoming pregnant for at least 1 month or through 1 menstrual cycle after you stop taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Cytotec is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cytotec .

Possible side effects of Cytotec :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; stomach pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in the urine; changes in hearing or deafness; chest pain; fever; headache, dizziness, blurred vision; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental changes (eg, anxiety, confusion, depression); persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea; severe fatigue, fainting; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; wheezing or shortness of breath.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing; fever; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe dizziness or drowsiness; slow or irregular heartbeat; stomach pain; tremors.

Proper storage of Cytotec :

Store Cytotec at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cytotec out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

  • If you have any questions about Cytotec , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • Cytotec is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cytotec . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Cytotec Prescribing Information (FDA)
  • Cytotec Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
  • Cytotec Detailed Consumer Information (PDR)
  • Cytotec Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
  • Misoprostol Prescribing Information (FDA)
  • Misoprostol Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)