Cytotec – Can Cytotec Really Be THAT Dangerous?

The rate of labor induction has reached an all-time high in the
nation, having rates rising up to thirty-three percent in pregnancies.

There are a number of techniques you or the doctor could use to dilate
the cervix and encourage labor. One medication which has become
popular nowadays for cervical ripening is Cytotec (misoprostol or prostaglandin E1).

Typically a Cytotec pill is broken in half or
quarters, and one of the portions is put into your cervix every couple
of hours.

Ina May has an excellent book that I recommend reading.  She addresses the use and misuse of Cytotec.

The issue with Cytotec is the fact women aren’t provided complete
information regarding the medication prior to the consent of use of
Cytotec. Labor induction is definitely an off-label utilization of
Cytotec. Which means that that it was formulated, tested and
authorized for a different function.

The manufacturer’s label for Cytotec (misoprostol or prostaglandin E1)
solely allows it to be specifically used to prevent stomach ulcers in
individuals who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or
aspirin on a long-term basis. Each time a doctor uses a medication
off-label, he is deciding the health and safety for himself compared
to depending on a substantial, in depth scientific study. The
insurance companies know they will lose to any one who sues if any of
the dangerous side-effects happen to the mother or baby.

Several investigations were performed that evaluate Cytotec with other
drugs that have been authorized for the exact purpose of cervical
ripening and also labor induction. All these reports exhibited that
despite the fact that Cytotec seems to be similarly effective as the
other prescription drugs, there are several severe dangers. Even
though women who’ve been given Cytotec might occasionally progress
more promptly compared to individuals that have been given some of the
other accepted medications, they are additionally more prone to
experience a number of problems.

Cytotec causes hyperstimulation of the uterus, be responsible for
problems such as fetal hardship, amniotic embolism, uterine rupture,
fetal death and postpartum hemorrhage. These are not small problems!

The chance of uterine rupture is actually additionally greater in mothers who’ve formerly had a
cesarean delivery.

Searle, the maker of Cytotec was so worried about this particular
off-label use that it released a letter to doctors in August 2000. The
notice identified these types of complications and urged doctors to
adhere to their authorized prescribing guidelines.

Searle additionally stated that it “has not conducted research
concerning the use of Cytotec for cervical ripening prior to
termination of pregnancy or for induction of labor, nor does Searle
intend to study or support these uses.”

Prior to deciding to agree to the usage of any medication, be sure you
comprehend the facts. You need to know:

• what each of the possible treatments are
• what the medicinal drug is, how it operates and just how much you’ll be given
• how much time it will take to perform and how long it’s side effects will last
• what function the FDA authorized the medication for
• what negative effects the medicine is anticipated to have upon you and the baby
• exactly what problems are already recorded to occur with the usage of the actual treatment
• how much more frequently the problems happen with this particular medicine instead of other medicines or even no medicines at all

If you’re ever unsure, question your physician or even pharmacist to
present you the manufacturer’s prescribing information.