Cytotec

Drug Name - Cytotec (Misoprostol)

Cytotec (Misoprostol) is indicated for use in people taking NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, etc to prevent side effects such as stomach ulcers.

Indications for Use

The medication is indicated for use in people taking NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, etc to prevent side effects such as stomach ulcers. The use of this medication helps reduce complications like bleeding that can occur as a result of ulcer formation. Cytotec helps in reducing the effects of stomach acids on the walls of the stomach. The drug is also indicated for use in conjunction with mifepristone for the termination of pregnancy (abortion).

Instructions for Use

Read through the literature known as Medication guide that comes with the drug and use it as per the instructions provided. If you have any doubts on the usage of the drug, check with your doctor or the pharmacist. The recommended dose varies depending on the condition and how your symptoms improve.

If you are consuming the drug as a precaution to avoid ulcer formation, it is to be taken orally for about 4 times daily after food so that it does not cause any diarrhea. If you are experiencing diarrhea, avoid the use of antacids that have magnesium as an ingredient as it can cause worsening of symptoms. Check with the doctor or pharmacist as to which antacid you can take safely. If you are taking the medication to prevent ulcers when on NSAID therapy, use the medication until you cease taking the NSAIDs. Avoid missing any dose and take it at the scheduled time every day. Inform the doctor if symptoms remain or are becoming worse. If the medication is being used to induce an abortion, the physician will place it within your vagina.

Drug Category and Mechanism of Action

Cytotec belongs to a type of drugs known as synthetic prostaglandins. The prostaglandins are substances that are naturally found to occur in the stomach and some other parts of the body. These prostaglandins are helpful in providing natural protection to the lining of the stomach from the acid and other irritants like medications. Some medications such as NSAIDs have an inhibitory action on the effects of prostaglandins thereby promoting ulcer formation. The use of synthetic prostaglandins like Cytotec promotes the action of prostaglandins in protecting the walls of the stomach from the ulcer forming actions of NSAIDS.

If You Miss a Dose

Avoid missing a dose. In case you forget to take a dose, consume it as once you recollect that you missed a dose. In case the time when you remember is close to the next scheduled dose, avoid taking the dose you have missed and take the tablet only at the next scheduled time. Do not compensate for the missed dose by taking extra dose of medicine.

Storing Instructions

The medication is best stored below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Avoid direct exposure to heat, sunlight or moisture. Avoid storing the medication in the bathroom. Avoid keeping the medication in places where pets and children can reach it.

Safety Information

Avoid the use of the medication if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant. If you are currently on Cytotec and have become pregnant, inform your doctor of your pregnancy at the earliest. It is best to avoid the use of the drug if you are in the childbearing age group unless you have a serious risk of developing ulcers or such side effects from the use of NSAIDs. It is best to avoid getting pregnant if you are currently on Cytotec therapy and until at least one month has passed after cessation of treatment.

If the drug is being used to induce abortion either individually or in combination with other medications, some rare incidents of severe complication like uterine rupture posing risk to the fetus and the mother have been reported.

Female patients should use the drug with extreme caution and should meet some eligibility criteria for using the drug. The eligibility criteria include

• Should not have a positive pregnancy test in two weeks prior to beginning therapy.
• Should be using some good birth control measures to avoid getting pregnant.
• Should be well informed about the risks of using the medication during childbearing age and the possibilities of failure of birth control measures.
• It is best advised to begin therapy with the drug from the second or third day of the normal menstrual cycle.

Avoid sharing the medication with anybody. Inform the doctor of any allergies to any ingredients in the medication and of any previous medical history of stomach or intestinal problems (if advised oral use) or of any risks of uterine problems such as uterine surgery, multiple pregnancies exceeding five in number or of previous Cesarean deliveries if any (if advised vaginal use in the induction of abortion).

If you are using the medication individually or in combination with other medications in the termination of pregnancy, there are rare chances of an incomplete abortion happening. The progress should be under close supervision of your doctor for which reason you should carefully follow instructions and meet the doctor at scheduled intervals as instructed. Take details about what to do and whom to contact in the event of an emergency. There is going to be bleeding from the vagina when abortion is induced, but inform the doctor if you are bleeding very profusely or for a long duration or are seeing any signs such as fainting or fevers and chills (indicative of an infection).

The regular use of tobacco or alcohol may heighten the possibilities of bleeding in the stomach. It is best to limit intake of alcohol and avoid smoking while on therapy. If you have any more doubts on the usage of the medication, it is best to contact your doctor or the pharmacist.

The knowledge of whether or not the drug is passed through breast milk to the nursing infant is not known. However, it is best to avoid usage of the drug if you are a nursing mother. Speak with the doctor on the effects of the drug on your child.

Probable Adverse Effects

The most common side effects seen are nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps. If these side effects continue or get worse, inform the physician at the earliest. Diarrhea that occurs on Cytotec intake usually happens about 14 days after you begin therapy and persists for a week or so. During this period, it is very essential to regulate fluid intake as well as taking some electrolytes/ minerals to avoid dehydration. Inform the doctor immediately if you see any severe signs and symptoms of either dehydration or mineral imbalances. Also ensure that you inform the doctor at the earliest if you see any major side effects like severe dizziness, heart irregularities, mood swings, reduced urine output, or muscle weakness. One thing that you need to bear in mind is that this medication has been prescribed to you by the doctor weighing in the advantages to the risk of side effects. Most users of the medication have been seen not to experience any major side effects.

Inform the doctor at the earliest if you see any rare and serious adverse effects such as problems with your menstrual cycle or heavy bleeding from your vagina. Although allergic reactions to the drug are quite uncommon, it is essential to seek emergency medical help in case you suffer from any serious allergic problems from the drug. There may be the occurrence of other side effects that are not listed above. Make sure you inform the doctor about the same and seek advice.

Additional Information

Do not let anyone use the medication apart from the person to whom it was prescribed.