Cytotec (Misoprostol) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 26, 2012

Cytotec

Peptic Ulcer »

Peptic ulcer facts

Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
Peptic ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) in 50% of patients. For the remaining 50% there are miscellaneous or unknown causes.
Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration.
The main symptom of peptic ulcer is upper abdominal pain which can be dull, sharp, or burning. (Bloating and burping are not symptoms of peptic ulcer, and vomiting, poor appetite, and nausea are uncommon symptoms of peptic ulcer.)
Diagnosis of ulcer is made with upper GI series or endoscopy.
Treatment of ulcers involves antibiotic combinations along with stomach acid suppression to eradicate H. pylori, eliminating precipitating factors such as NSAIDs and stomach acid suppression...

Read the Peptic Ulcer article »

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Read your leaflet before taking Cytotec® (misoprostol) and each time your prescription is renewed, because the leaflet may be changed.

Cytotec (misoprostol) is being prescribed by your doctor to decrease the chance of getting stomach ulcers related to the arthritis/pain medication that you take.

Do not take Cytotec (misoprostol) to reduce the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers if you are pregnant. (See Boxed Warnings.) Cytotec (misoprostol) can cause abortion (sometimes incomplete which could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. It is also important to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least one month or through one menstrual cycle after you stop taking it. Cytotec (misoprostol) has been reported to cause the uterus to rupture (tear) when given after the eighth week of pregnancy. Rupture (tearing) of the uterus can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death.

If you become pregnant during Cytotec (misoprostol) therapy, stop taking Cytotec (misoprostol) and contact your physician immediately. Remember that even if you are on a means of birth control it is still possible to become pregnant. Should this occur, stop taking Cytotec (misoprostol) and contact your physician immediately.

Cytotec (misoprostol) may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and/or nausea in some people. In most cases these problems develop during the first few weeks of therapy and stop after about a week. You can minimize possible diarrhea by making sure you take Cytotec (misoprostol) with food.

Because these side effects are usually mild to moderate and usually go away in a matter of days, most patients can continue to take Cytotec (misoprostol) . If you have prolonged difficulty (more than 8 days), or if you have severe diarrhea, cramping and/or nausea, call your doctor.

Take Cytotec (misoprostol) only according to the directions given by your physician.

Do not give Cytotec (misoprostol) to anyone else. It has been prescribed for your specific condition, may not be the correct treatment for another person, and would be dangerous if the other person were pregnant.

This information sheet does not cover all possible side effects of Cytotec (misoprostol) . This patient information leaflet does not address the side effects of your arthritis/pain medication. See your doctor if you have questions.

Keep out of reach of children.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/20/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.