Cytotec: what it is for, where to buy it and side effects

Cytotec is a medicine that contains misoprostol in its composition, a substance that was originally created for the treatment of stomach ulcers, as it works by blocking the production of gastric acid and inducing the production of mucus, protecting the stomach wall.

However, it has also been proven that it is capable of causing uterine contraction and softening of the cervix, which can have very serious effects on pregnancy and cause miscarriage. For this reason, misoprostol is currently only approved by ANVISA for use in qualified hospitals and with due monitoring by health professionals, to induce abortion or stimulate labor.

Cytotec should not be used at any time without medical advice, as it can have serious health effects, especially in pregnant women. Use without medical advice may cause miscarriage or malformations in the fetus, which may be born with serious disabilities.

What is it for

Initially, this medicine was indicated for the treatment of gastric ulcers, gastritis, healing of ulcers in the duodenum, erosive gastroenteritis and peptic ulcer disease.

However, currently in Brazil, Cytotec is only found in hospitals for:

• Induce labor before 30 weeks when the fetus is dead, in case of legal abortion;
• Induce labor in full-term or near-term pregnancy, when necessary. See when labor induction may be indicated.

Cytotec should only be used with medical indication and guidance and in a hospital environment. Make an appointment with your nearest doctor, using the following tool, to assess the need for taking Cytotec:

Where to buy

In Brazil, Cytotec cannot be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, and is only available in hospitals and clinics to induce labor or cause abortion in very specific cases, which must be evaluated by the doctor, as if the medicine is improperly used may cause serious side effects.

Read too: Medicines that cause miscarriage (and pregnant women should not take)

How to use

Misoprostol should only be used in hospitals or clinics, under the supervision of a healthcare professional and in accordance with medical indications and evaluation.

Misoprostol is a substance that increases uterine contractions, and therefore should not be used during pregnancy outside the hospital environment. This medication should never be used without medical advice, especially in cases of suspected pregnancy, as it can be dangerous for the woman and the baby.

Possible side effects

Some of the most common side effects of using this medication include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, chills, rash, fetal malformations, dizziness, constipation, difficulty digesting or excess gases.

Who shouldn’t use

Cytotec should only be used with the advice of an obstetrician, in a hospital environment and should not be used by people allergic to prostaglandins, or by women who have cerebrovascular disease or coronary artery disease.

This medicine should also not be used by women who have a scar on the uterus or have previously had a cesarean section, due to the greater risk of uterine rupture.

Read too: Uterine rupture: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Cytotec should not be used during pregnancy, unless advised by your doctor.

Furthermore, Cytotec should not be used if the person has taken any type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the 4 hours prior to using misoprostol.