Cytotec / Misoprostol ( Medical Abortion ) Cape Town
What is the use of cytotec/ Misoprostol?
This medication is used to prevent stomach ulcers while you take NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), especially if you are at risk for developing ulcers or have a history of ulcers.
Misoprostol helps to decrease your risk of serious ulcer complications such as bleeding.
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.
Avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium while using misoprostol because they may make the diarrhea it causes worse.
If you need an antacid, consult your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose a product.
For ulcer prevention, continue to take this drug for as long as you take NSAIDs.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
How to use Cytotec / Misoprostol
This medication is used to prevent stomach ulcers while you take NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), especially if you are at risk for developing ulcers or have a history of ulcers.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
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.
Then you take the second medicine, misoprostol, either right away or up to 48 hours later. This medicine causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus.
It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage.
If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine, call your nurse or doctor.
Your doctor or nurse will give you both medicines at the health center.
When and where you’ll take them depends on state laws and your health center’s policies.
Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed directions about where, when, and how to take the medicines. You may also get some antibiotics to prevent infection.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: menstrual problems or irregularities, unusual/heavy vaginal bleeding.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
This drug must not be used during pregnancy to prevent stomach ulcers because of possible harm to an unborn baby (see also Warnings).
If you are of childbearing age, use effective birth control methods while taking misoprostol and for at least one month or one completed menstrual cycle after you stop taking it.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor right away.
Side Effects of Cytotec / Misoprostol (Medical Abortion)
Nausea or stomach cramps may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these serious signs of dehydration and mineral imbalance: severe dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: menstrual problems or irregularities, unusual/heavy vaginal bleeding.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
