Safety Information Cytotec
Warnings/PrecautionsDo not take this medication if you think that you may be pregnant. It may cause abortion, premature birth, or birth defects. In rare cases, serious complications (e.g., uterine rupture) have occurred when cytotec was used to start labor or when used in combination with another drug to cause abortion after the eighth week of pregnancy. These complications have resulted in harm to the fetus and mother. Avoid pregnancy while taking cytotec and for at least one month or one completed menstrual cycle after you have stopped treatment. If you become pregnant while taking cytotec, contact your doctor immediately. If you are pregnant, do not take this medication to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers due to aspirin or other related drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen). Also, if you are of the childbearing age, do not use this drug to reduce the risk of ulcers from NSAIDs unless you are at high risk of having an ulcer or ulcer complications. Female patients must meet the following four requirements in order to use this drug: 1) test negative for pregnancy within two weeks before starting treatment; 2) use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy; 3) receive oral and written warnings on the dangers of using cytotec while of the childbearing age and the risks of possible birth control failure; 4) start taking cytotec only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period. This medication must not be shared with others. Before taking cytotec, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease), risk factors for uterine rupture when this drug is used vaginally (e.g., prior Cesarean delivery, uterine surgery, five or more previous pregnancies). 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 immediately if you develop any unlikely symptoms such as severe/prolonged vaginal bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills), or fainting. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended because it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
