https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 17 May 2026 04:20:33 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-503266 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:13:31 +0000 runsyellowlites 503266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: I'm glad they are starting to do legitimate study into it's use for induction &amp; pregnancy. I just wish that until then they could shelf it &amp; not run unnecessary risks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-503259 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:06:52 +0000 MaisyMay 503259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used miso for our induction 3 weeks ago, and for our miscarriage August of 2011. The dosages were hugely different, and the medication was administered differently. I think that if I had know it wasn't FDA approved for induction, we would have discussed it more, but we did talk about dangers before taking the meds. We were very carefully monitored, and everything went beautifully. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-503254 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:04:03 +0000 Mrsbells 503254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow very interesting stuff... thanks for this thread </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-503235 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:53:50 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 503235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There is a lot of research out there on using it for induction. I agree with doing as much research as you can on it.</p> <p>This article talks about efficacy: <a href="http://www.ajog.org/article/0002-9378%2895%2991416-1/abstract" rel="nofollow">http://www.ajog.org/article/0002-9378%2895%2991416-1/abstract</a> (more efficacious than another drug in head to head trial and cheaper).</p> <p>This article talks about safety and complication rates: <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937899705582" rel="nofollow">http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937899705582</a> (safe at lower doses, more complications at higher doses, does not increase rate of C-section).</p> <p>And here is a comprehensive systematic review using cochrane criteria (from 2005). I'll paste the conclusions. "Overall, misoprostol appears to be more effective than conventional methods of cervical ripening and labour induction. Although no differences in perinatal outcome were shown, the studies were not sufficiently large to exclude the possibility of uncommon serious adverse effects. In particular the increase in uterine hyperstimulation with fetal heart rate changes following misoprostol is a matter for concern. It is possible that, if sufficient numbers are studied, an unacceptably high number of serious adverse events including uterine rupture and asphyxia1 fetal deaths may occur. The data at present are not robust enough to address the issue of safety. Thus, though misoprostol shows promise as a highly effective, inexpensive and convenient agent for labour induction, it cannot be recommended for routine use at this stage. Lower dose misoprostol regimens should be investigated further."<br /> <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1999.tb08400.x/full" rel="nofollow">http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1999.tb08400.x/full</a></p> <p>The clinical trials are now being done and here are the first results: <a href="http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2011/03000/Misoprostol_Vaginal_Insert_for_Successful_Labor.4.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2011/03000/Misoprostol_Vaginal_Insert_for_Successful_Labor.4.aspx</a><br /> Conclusion: Reduces time to delivery but no change in C-section rate and study group had increased rate of tachysystole (excessively frequent uterine contractions).</p> <p>Hope that helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-503211 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:47:11 +0000 autumnlove 503211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My friend was induced with Cytotec 2 weeks ago and she was fine. She knew about the risks but went ahead with it.</p> <p>I would not feel comfortable with Cytotec! It sounds scary! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-503199 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:44:17 +0000 Dapple Grey 503199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work in equine medicine and administer misoprostal daily to horses. it means serious business for humans on contact as the warning label says it causes miscarriage and issues if absorbed into the skin from handling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-503172 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:32:52 +0000 runsyellowlites 503172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: Thank you so much for posting this! I am always so surprised to hear how common it's use still is even though so many (FDA, manufacturer, etc) have come out saying to not use it.</p> <p>I'm also really glad that the information is being received so well! I've run into many women who take the stance of "I/my friend had it &amp; turned out just fine...." and for me that's alot like someone driving drunk saying that they "made it home so no biggie, right?". I am so relieved to hear when women were given it and things turned out well but it does still worry me that because of that "no biggie" attitude other moms &amp; babies won't be so lucky. =(</p> <p>Thank you again for posting this! Knowledge allows mommas to make truly informed choices and that's what we need! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-503164 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:28:36 +0000 Arden 503164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rachiecakes: I'm glad your office doesn't use it anymore! I wish more doctors would stop it's use - it's still incredibly common unfortunately. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502784 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:28:56 +0000 blackbird 502784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The ER gave me Cytotec for my miscarriage. It was...unpleasant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502695 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:02:07 +0000 mrskc 502695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you for sharing. All women should be informed about this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502670 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:52:18 +0000 kml636 502670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was terrified of this, but luckily my midwife doesn't use it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502662 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:42:40 +0000 Mrs. Pen 502662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw this in a documentary. Scary stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502589 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:00:50 +0000 rachiecakes 502589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>thanks for posting this!</p> <p>when I got my induction date, my paperwork mentioned Cytotec and I posted on HB about it. I asked my OB before I went it and I'm glad I did after reading up on it. In my case, it was just an old outdated form and they only use Cervidil/Pitocin now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502506 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:47:43 +0000 T.H.O.U. 502506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you for posting this. I was induced and was happy that I was able to talk it over with my OB and make sure they only use cervidil instead of this. I wasn't wanting to use this considering there were other options out there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502495 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:31:04 +0000 MrsBrewer 502495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow thank you for sharing this information! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502488 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:22:15 +0000 sslm 502488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Interesting... This is what was used to induce my missed miscarriage. Thanks for sharing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502480 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:55:25 +0000 Arden 502480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684033/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684033/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/psa-the-dangers-of-cytotecmisoprostol-for-induction-of-labor#post-502479 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:50:22 +0000 Arden 502479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I discovered the potential dangers of the drug Cytotec during my first year working as a doula, it infuriated me that mothers aren't informed of the risks before being given Cytotec as a cervical ripening agent for induction. I started encouraging all my clients to research induction methods so they would know what their options were and the risks involved in each one.</p> <p>Since then I've heard a few ladies on Hellobee talking about their doctor's recommendation of Cytotec, and I felt like I needed to share the information with all of you so that you can make informed decisions. </p> <p>I'm not trying to tell you what to do, by any means, I just want to make sure that all of you wonderful bees have all the information at hand to make the best decision for yourselves and for your babies.</p> <p>I encourage you to do your own research into Cytotec/Misoprostol before making any decisions, but here is what I have gathered.</p> <p>*************************************************************</p> <p>Cytotec is a drug that was not tested in the laboratory to determine its safety before doctors starting using it as an agent to induce labor, and its manufacturer recommends against its use in inducing labor.<br /> Instead, it was and is tested in real life labor and delivery, and unwitting mothers are the guinea pigs. In some cases, Cytotec imposes risks that far outweigh the benefits of a delivery that takes place at a convenient time. What's worse, it is often impossible to predict whether or when those risks will be realized. Some of the other medications that are used to induce labor, such as Pitocin or Cervadil, can rapidly be discontinued if problems develop.<br /> But unlike Pitocin or Cervadil, once Cytotec is given, either in a pill form by mouth, or inserted vaginally, so there is no way to stop its action, even if trouble occurs. The reason Cytotec is used instead of other, safer drugs, is simply that it is cheaper.</p> <p>Cytotec can cause abnormally strong uterine contractions (hyperstimulation or tetany) so strong that the uterus ruptures, resulting in severe injury or death of the mother and child. It can cause such heavy bleeding that to save the mother's life, her uterus must be removed (hysterectomy), leaving her incapable of bearing another child, and disrupting her natural hormones. The violent contractions it provokes also increase the risk of amniotic fluid emboli that can result in a stroke or death. Many, or maybe most doctors and nurses using this drug do not know about these risks.</p> <p>Following are more facts about Cytotec:</p> <p>- Cytotec is the trade name given by pharmaceutical company, Searle, for the drug, Misoprostol or prostaglandin E1. Searle is the only manufacturer of Cytotec in the U.S.<br /> - Cytotec was invented to treat gastric ulcers, and that is the only use that Searle recommends for it.<br /> - Cytotec is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. nor by its manufacturer, for cervical ripening and labor induction.<br /> - Searle, the manufacturer of Cytotec sent all physicians a Drug Alert (also called a "Dear Doctor letter") in August of 2001, warning that Cytotec may cause uterine rupture, and recommending against its use for induction of labor.<br /> - The FDA then posted Searle's letter, using it as their own "Safety Alert" to interested parties.<br /> - Searle has placed warnings on the drug label "not to be used in women who are pregnant." The silhouette of the pregnant woman with the slash through it at the top of this page actually appears on every Cytotec box.<br /> - Cytotec is rated Category X for pregnancy (X means should not be used for pregnant women).<br /> - The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has declared that Cytotec should NEVER be used to induce a vaginal delivery following a Cesarean Section, which is also called a "VBAC" (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).<br /> - Cytotec occasionally, unpredictably causes uterine ruptures in women who have no identifiable risk factors.</p> <p>[attach=2195/13/mgm67z.425x213.drug_label.jpg] </p>