What is Cytotec?
Cytotec is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog used to decrease the chance of getting stomach ulcers in people taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin), which are prescribed for the treatment of arthritis/pain.
What is the most important information I should know about Cytotec?
- Do not take Cytotec to reduce the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers if you are pregnant.
- It is important to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for a least one month or through one menstrual cycle after you stop taking it.
- Cytotec can cause abortion (sometimes incomplete which can lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects.
- Cytotec may cause the uterus to tear (uterine rupture) during pregnancy. The use of uterine rupture increases as your pregnancy advances and if you have had surgery on the uterus, such as a cesarean delivery. Rupture (tearing) of the uterus can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death.
- If you become pregnant during Cytotec therapy, stop taking Cytotec and contact your physician immediately. Remember that even if you are on a means of birth control it is still possible to become pregnant. Should this occur, stop taking Cytotec and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Caution should be employed when administering Cytotec to patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
Who should not take Cytotec?
- Do not take Cytotec to reduce the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers if you are pregnant.
- Do not take Cytotec if you have a history of allergy to prostaglandins.
- It is also important to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least one month or through one menstrual cycle after you stop taking it.
- Caution should be employed when administering Cytotec to patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Cytotec?
Before taking Cytotec, tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, including if you:
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Cytotec. Cytotec is not suitable for use during pregnancy. You should discuss other possible treatments with your healthcare provider.
- Have cardiovascular disease.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Cytotec and certain other medicines may interact with each other. This may cause serious side effects. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take Cytotec?
- Take Cytotec only according to the directions given by your healthcare provider.
- Your healthcare provider may need to change your dose of Cytotec. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
- Cytotec should be taken with a meal, and the last dose of the day should be at bedtime.
- Cytotec should be taken for the duration of NSAID therapy as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking Cytotec without talking to your healthcare provider.
- If you take too much Cytotec, call your healthcare provider or your local Poison Control Center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
What should I avoid while taking Cytotec?
- You must avoid becoming pregnant while taking Cytotec.
What are the possible side effects of Cytotec?
- See "What is the most important information I should know about Cytotec?".
- Cytotec may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping and/or nausea in some people. In most cases these problems develop during the first few weeks of therapy and stop after about a week. You can minimize possible diarrhea by making sure you take Cytotec with food.
- Because these side effects are usually mild to moderate and usually go away in a matter of days, most patients can continue to take Cytotec. If you have prolonged difficulty (more than 8 days), or if you have severe diarrhea, cramping and/or nausea, call your doctor.
This information guide does not cover all possible side effects of Cytotec. This patient information guide does not address the side effects of your arthritis/pain medication. See your doctor if you have questions.
Cytotec Images
General information about the safe and effective use of Cytotec
Medicine are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do no use Cytotec for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do no give Cytotec to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that your have. It may harm them, especially if they are pregnant. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about Cytotec that was written for healthcare professionals.
How should I store Cytotec?
Store at or below 25°C (77°F), in a dry area.
Keep out of reach of children.
What are the ingredients in Cytotec?
Active ingredients: misoprostol
Inactive ingredients: Hydrogenated castor oil; hypromellose, unspecified; microcrystalline cellulose
