Uses
This medication is
used to prevent stomach ulcers while you take NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen),
especially if you are at risk for developing ulcers or have a history of
ulcers. Misoprostol helps to decrease your risk of serious ulcer
complications such as bleeding. This medication protects your stomach lining
by lowering the amount of acid that comes in contact with it.
This
medication is also used in combination with another drug (mifepristone) to end
a pregnancy (abortion).
Side Effects
Nausea or stomach cramps may
occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember
that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has
judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many
people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Diarrhea is
common with misoprostol and usually occurs about two weeks after you
start taking it, and lasts for about a week. Be sure to keep up your intake of
fluids and minerals/electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
Persistent diarrhea may sometimes lead to a large loss of your bodys
water and minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of
these serious signs of dehydration and mineral imbalance:
severe dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness,
slow/irregular heartbeat.
Tell
your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
menstrual problems or irregularities, unusual/heavy vaginal bleeding.
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the
face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This
is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before
taking misoprostol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are
allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
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 right away if you develop any unlikely
symptoms such as severe/prolonged vaginal bleeding, signs of infection
(including fever, chills), or fainting.
This
drug must not be used during pregnancy to prevent stomach ulcers because of
possible harm to an unborn baby (see also Warnings). If you are of childbearing
age, use effective birth control methods while taking misoprostol and
for at least one month or one completed menstrual cycle after you
stop taking it. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant,
inform your doctor right away.
This
medication passes into breast milk. However, this drug is unlikely to
harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.