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Price: $75.00
Product ID : cytotec
Manufacturer: PFIZER
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Description
CYTOTEC (misoprostol)
Patient Education - English
- Generic Name: misoprostol
- Pronounced: mye so PRAH stole
- Brand Name: Cytotec
What is the most important information I should know about misoprostol?
Do not take misoprostol for the prevention of stomach ulcers if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant during treatment. If you do become pregnant during treatment with misoprostol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Misoprostol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that misoprostol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Misoprostol can cause miscarriage or spontaneous abortion (sometimes incomplete which could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. Misoprostol has also been reported to cause uterine rupture (tearing) when given after the eighth week of pregnancy, which can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death. A pregnancy test with negative results will be required within 2 weeks of starting treatment with misoprostol, and treatment will begin only on the second or third day of a regular menstrual cycle. Also, appropriate contraception will be needed to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for one menstrual cycle following treatment. In some cases, misoprostol may be used under the supervision of a doctor for the induction of labor and delivery or abortion.
Do not share this medication with anyone else. Misoprostol has been prescribed for your specific condition, may not be the correct treatment for another person, and would be dangerous if the other person were pregnant.
What is misoprostol?
Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and replaces protective substances in the stomach that are inhibited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin.
Misoprostol is used to prevent the formation of ulcers in the stomach during treatment with aspirin or an NSAID such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan), oxaprozin (Daypro), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), etodolac (Lodine), piroxicam (Feldene), meloxicam (Mobic), tolmetin (Tolectin), nabumetone (Relafen), and fenoprofen (Nalfon). NSAIDs and aspirin are used to treat pain, fever, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.
Misoprostol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking misoprostol?
Before taking misoprostol, tell your doctor if you have inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or other intestinal problems. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with misoprostol.
Do not take misoprostol for the prevention of stomach ulcers if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant during treatment. If you do become pregnant during treatment with misoprostol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Misoprostol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that misoprostol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Misoprostol can cause miscarriage or spontaneous abortion (sometimes incomplete which could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. Misoprostol has also been reported to cause uterine rupture (tearing) when given after the eighth week of pregnancy, which can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death. A pregnancy test with negative results will be required within 2 weeks of starting treatment with misoprostol, and treatment will begin only on the second or third day of a regular menstrual cycle. Also, appropriate contraception will be needed to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for one menstrual cycle following treatment. In some cases, misoprostol may be used under the supervision of a doctor for the induction of labor and delivery or abortion.
It is not known whether misoprostol passes into breast milk. Do not take misoprostol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take misoprostol?
Take misoprostol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Misoprostol is usually taken four times a day, with meals and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Misoprostol may cause mild to moderate diarrhea, stomach cramps, and/or nausea. These problems usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment and stop after about a week. The occurrence of diarrhea may be minimized by taking misoprostol with food. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist for longer than 8 days or if they are severe.
Take misoprostol for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor. Treatment usually continues for as long as aspirin or an NSAID is taken.
Do not share this medication with anyone else. Misoprostol has been prescribed for your specific condition, may not be the correct treatment for another person, and would be dangerous if the other person were pregnant.
Store misoprostol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
The symptoms of a misoprostol overdose are not well known but might include stomach upset, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, tremor, seizures, difficulty breathing, fever, low blood pressure, and an irregular heart beat.
What should I avoid while taking misoprostol?
Do not share this medication with anyone else. Misoprostol has been prescribed for your specific condition, may not be the correct treatment for another person, and would be dangerous if the other person were pregnant.
The incidence of diarrhea may be reduced by avoiding antacids that contain magnesium. If an antacid is needed, one that contains aluminum or calcium may be a more appropriate choice.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities during treatment with misoprostol unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of misoprostol?
Stop taking misoprostol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Misoprostol may cause mild to moderate diarrhea, stomach cramps, and/or nausea. These problems usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment and stop after about a week. The occurrence of diarrhea may be minimized by taking misoprostol with food. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist for longer than 8 days or if they are severe.
Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take misoprostol and talk to your doctor if you experience
- vomiting;
- flatulence;
- constipation;
- headache; or
- menstrual cramps, spotting, or increased or irregular menstruation.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect misoprostol?
The incidence of diarrhea may be reduced by avoiding antacids that contain magnesium. If an antacid is needed, one that contains aluminum or calcium may be a more appropriate choice.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with misoprostol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about misoprostol written for health professionals that you may read.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Pill Pictures
![]() Cytotec (misoprostol) 100 mcg
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![]() Cytotec (misoprostol) 200 mcg
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Why is Cytotec prescribed?
Cytotec, a synthetic prostaglandin (hormone-like substance), reduces the production of stomach acid and protects the stomach lining. People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be given Cytotec tablets to help prevent stomach ulcers.
Aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam, and others, which are widely used to control the pain and inflammation of arthritis, are generally hard on the stomach. If you must take an NSAID for a prolonged period of time, and if you are elderly or have ever had a stomach ulcer, your doctor may want you to take Cytotec for as long as you take the NSAID.
Most important fact about Cytotec
You must not become pregnant while using Cytotec. This drug causes uterine contractions that could lead to a miscarriage. If you do have a miscarriage, there is a risk that it might be incomplete. This could lead to bleeding, hospitalization, surgery, infertility, or even death. It is vitally important to use reliable contraception while taking Cytotec.
How should you take Cytotec?
Take Cytotec with meals, exactly as prescribed.
Take Cytotec for the full course of NSAID treatment, even if you notice no stomach problems.
Take the final dosage at bedtime.
- If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
- Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a dry place.
What side effects may occur?
Cytotec may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and/or nausea, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. These symptoms may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. Taking Cytotec with food can help minimize diarrhea. If you have prolonged difficulty (more than 8 days), or if you have severe diarrhea, cramping, or nausea, call your doctor.
- Other side effects may include:
Constipation, gas, indigestion, headache, heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual disorder, menstrual pain or cramps, paleness, spotting (light bleeding between menstrual periods), stomach or intestinal bleeding, vomiting
Cytotec may cause uterine bleeding even if you have gone through menopause. However, postmenopausal bleeding could be a sign of some other gynecological problem. If you experience any such bleeding while taking Cytotec, notify your doctor at once.
Why should Cytotec not be prescribed?
Do not take Cytotec if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to another prostaglandin medication.
Do not take Cytotec if you are pregnant or might become pregnant while taking it.
Special warnings about Cytotec
Since Cytotec may cause diarrhea, you should use Cytotec very cautiously if you have inflammatory bowel disease or any other condition in which the loss of fluid caused by diarrhea would be particularly dangerous.
To reduce the risk of diarrhea, take Cytotec with food and avoid taking it with a magnesium-containing antacid. Have frequent medical checkups.
Never give Cytotec to anyone else; the dosage might be wrong, and if the other person is pregnant, the drug might harm the unborn baby or cause a miscarriage.
If you have a history of heart disease, you may not be able to use Cytotec. Be sure to tell your doctor about any heart problems.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cytotec
Cytotec does not interfere with arthritis medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Because Cytotec can cause dangerous cases of miscarriage, sometimes leading to the mother's death, it should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should not take Cytotec unless you have thoroughly discussed the risks with your doctor and believe you are able to take effective contraceptive measures.
You will need to take a pregnancy test about 2 weeks before starting to take Cytotec. To be sure you are not pregnant at the start of Cytotec treatment, your doctor will have you take your first dose on the second or third day of your menstrual period.
Even the most scrupulous contraceptive measures sometimes fail. If you believe you may have become pregnant while taking Cytotec, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
It is not known if Cytotec appears in breast milk. Because of the potential for severe diarrhea in a nursing infant, your doctor may have you stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Cytotec
ADULTS
The recommended oral dose of Cytotec for the prevention of NSAID-induced stomach ulcers is 200 micrograms 4 times daily with food. Take the last dose of the day at bedtime.
If you cannot tolerate this dosage, your doctor can prescribe a dose of 100 micrograms.
You should take Cytotec for the duration of NSAID therapy, as prescribed by your doctor.
For People with Kidney Impairment
You will not normally need an adjustment in the dosing schedule, but your doctor can reduce the dosage if you have trouble handling the usual dose.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect symptoms of an overdose of Cytotec, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Cytotec overdose may include:
Abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, convulsions, diarrhea, fever, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, sedation (extreme drowsiness), slowed heartbeat, stomach or intestinal discomfort, tremors
* THIS PRODUCTS IS SUPPLIED FROM OUR EUROPEAN PHARMACY AND WILL BE SHIPPED FROM THE E.U. ALLOW 8 TO 10 DAYS FOR ARRIVAL.





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