Misoprostol (Cytotec) Tips from Pharmacists

• Taking misoprostol with food can help to lower the risk of abdominal pain and diarrhea. These symptoms usually get better in about a week.

• Call your doctor without delay if you experience any unusual or unlikely symptoms.

• Stop taking misoprostol and call your doctor if you become pregnant while on this medicine.

• If you discontinue non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, you can stop taking misoprostol because this medication protects against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers.

• If you are using misoprostol for medical abortion, you will need to keep the pills in your cheek or under your tongue for 30 minutes and allow them to dissolve. Do not eat or drink anything during this time. However, drink some water after 30 minutes to ensure you swallow all of the medicine. You should have stomach cramps and vaginal bleeding in 1-4 hours. If this does not occur within 24 hours, call your doctor - you may need to take another dose of misoprostol.