CYTOTEC

Drug Name: CYTOTEC

CYTOTEC DESCRIPTION:
MISOPROSTOL - ORAL (my-so-PROST-ohl)

COMMON CYTOTEC BRAND NAME(S):
Cytotec

CYTOTEC SIDE EFFECTS:
CYTOTEC causes diarrhea that usually stops after 8 days. If it persists or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Other side effects reported include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, gas, indigestion, headache, menstrual irregularities. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CYTOTEC:
CYTOTEC: CYTOTEC is best taken with meals and at bedtime to minimize the incidence of diarrhea. Avoid taking magnesium-containing antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox while on CYTOTEC. These types of antacids may increase the frequency/severity of diarrhea caused by misoprostol. Read antacid labels carefully to check for magnesium content. It is important to take CYTOTEC exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take more often than prescribed.

CYTOTEC WARNING:
CYTOTEC must not be used during pregnancy because birth defects and fetal death have occurred. CYTOTEC must not be used in women of childbearing age unless there are no alternatives. When CYTOTEC has been used to start labor, uterine rupture has occurred. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using CYTOTEC for this purpose. If a woman must use CYTOTEC, four requirements must be met: 1) negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting use of CYTOTEC; 2) be able use effective measures to prevent pregnancy (contraception); 3) receive oral and written warnings on the dangers of misoprostol use in women of childbearing age; 4) must begin use of CYTOTEC only on the second or third day of next normal menstrual period. CYTOTEC must not be shared with others.

CYTOTEC USES:
CYTOTEC is used to prevent ulcers in persons taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (NSAIDs, including aspirin), especially in persons at risk for developing ulcers or those with a history of ulcers. CYTOTEC is also used in combination with another drug, to abort a pregnancy.

CYTOTEC PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: stomach/intestinal disorders, suspected pregnancy, any allergies. Misoprostol should not be used during pregnancy. Use reliable birth control methods while taking CYTOTEC. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if misoprostol is excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer of CYTOTEC advises against breast-feeding while using misoprostol because it may harm a nursing infant.

CYTOTEC DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: magnesium- containing antacids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CYTOTEC OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, and slow heart rate.

CYTOTEC NOTES:
Do not allow anyone else to take CYTOTEC.

MISSED CYTOTEC DOSE:
Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

CYTOTEC STORAGE:
Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.