What is Cytotec/Misoprostol used for?

This medicine is used to prevent stomach ulcers from developing in patients who are taking arthritis/pain relief medicines, including aspirin.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Cytotec/Misoprostol be stored?

Store at or below 77 degrees F in a dry place.

General drug information:

When should Cytotec/Misoprostol not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

What precautions should I follow when taking Cytotec/Misoprostol?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Cytotec/Misoprostol?

This medicine may cause abortion, premature birth, or birth defects if given to pregnant women. Pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant should not take this medicine.

What are the side effects of Cytotec/Misoprostol?

Most severe:  Severe dehydration from diarrhea.

Most common:  Diarrhea; stomach pain; nausea; gas; headache; indigestion.

Other:  Vomiting; constipation; menstrual disorder; spotting between periods.

How should I take Cytotec/Misoprostol?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. This medicine will only be prescribed to women of childbearing potential under the following conditions: You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before beginning therapy; you must use effective methods of birth control (eg, condom, diaphragm); you must receive written and oral warnings about the risks of taking this medicine and the danger to women of childbearing potential from your health care provider; you must begin taking this medicine on the second or third day of your next normal menstrual period. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. If you have questions about or problems with this medicine, contact your health care provider at once. This medicine should be taken with a meal. The last dose should be taken at bedtime. This medicine may cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, or nausea. These problems usually develop during the first few weeks of taking this medicine and they stop after about a week. Contact your health care provider at once if you can lessen the risk of diarrhea by taking this medicine with food. If you have severe diarrhea, cramping, nausea, or any other problem with this medicine for more than 8 days. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Because of the risk of harm to a developing fetus, it is important to follow the directions for birth control. Stop taking this medicine and contact your health care provider at once if you become pregnant. Do not give this medicine to anyone else. This medicine has been prescribed for your specific condition. It can be dangerous when given to others. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.