November 14, 2024
Misoprostol

Misoprostol – South Africa

What is misoprostol ?

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin medication used to prevent and treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, induce labor, cause an abortion, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus.

How to use Misoprostol

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. If you have any questions about this drug, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

If you are taking this drug 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 this medication for abortion, take it by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor.

If you are using this medication to start labor, your healthcare professional will insert it into your vagina.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

Nausea or stomach cramps may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Diarrhea is common with misoprostol and usually occurs about two weeks after you start taking it, and lasts for about a week.

Be sure to keep up your intake of fluids and minerals/electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

 Persistent diarrhea may sometimes lead to a large loss of your body’s water and minerals. 

Precautions

Before taking misoprostol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. 

This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease).

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 this medication 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.

Commonly Asked Questions about Misoprostol (cytotec)

How does Misoprostol Work?

Blocks a hormone needed for your pregnancy to continue hence ending the pregnancy.

How effective is Misoprostol?

Followed by the vaginal insertions is approximately 99% effective.

What are the advantages of Misoprostol?

Comes in a pill form and is taken by mouth, you can usually avoid surgery. It works very early in your pregnancy, Misoprostol allows you take early action to end a pregnancy.

How Safe is Misoprostol?

The FDA has tested Misoprostol for both safety and Effectiveness, Has approved Misoprostol. In the past decade 700,000 Women in South Africa have safely used Misoprostol to end their Pregnancies.

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