Misoprostol

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: May 23, 2023

Warnings

Misoprostol (Cytotec) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Misoprostol can cause serious complications in certain people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for stomach ulcer prevention if you are at an increased risk of complications from misoprostol use. Some of the risks of taking misoprostol include:

RISKS IN PREGNANT WOMEN: Taking misoprostol during pregnancy can lead to termination of the pregnancy (abortion), birth defects, premature birth, and uterine rupture. There are reports of uterine rupture when misoprostol was used to induce labor or terminate a pregnancy (medical abortion). The risk of uterine rupture increases as the pregnancy advances. There is also a higher risk in women who have had prior uterine surgery, including cesarean delivery. Therefore, this medication should not be used to prevent stomach ulcers in pregnant women.
Your healthcare provider will give you both oral and written warnings about the risks of taking misoprostol, including the potential for this drug to cause abortion, birth defects, preterm labor, and uterine rupture. They will warn you of the risk of possible birth control failure and the high risk of complications should a pregnancy occur. They will also remind you not to share this medication with others, especially women who are pregnant or have childbearing potential.
In general, misoprostol is not used to lower the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers in women of childbearing age unless there is a high risk of complications from stomach ulcers from the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are of childbearing age and are going to take misoprostol, you will need to take steps to prevent pregnancy while on this medicine. This includes taking a pregnancy test in the 2 weeks prior to starting misoprostol, starting misoprostol 2-3 days after your next normal menstrual period, and using effective birth control while on the medicine.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS: A small number of people can have serious allergic reactions to misoprostol. Seek emergency medical care if you develop severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Precautions Before Starting Misoprostol (Cytotec)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to misoprostol, any of the active or inactive ingredients in misoprostol tablets, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Misoprostol may not be right for people with certain medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This medication passes into breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Misoprostol (Cytotec)

Make sure you have a negative pregnancy test in the 2 weeks before starting this medicine. Start taking misoprostol 2-3 days after your next normal menstrual period. Use effective birth control while on this medicine.

Stop taking misoprostol and tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with this drug.

Misoprostol (Cytotec) Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how misoprostol works. Possible interactions between misoprostol and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions.

Tell your doctor if you are taking antacids, vitamins, aspirin, or related drugs for arthritis. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies.

Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

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