Are misoprostol and cytotec the same drug?

So, you want information about misoprostol or Cytotec, and specifically want to know if they are the same drug? I can only introduce this blog post with an affirmative answer yes, misoprostol and Cytotec are one and the same. This drug is meant to prevent stomach ulcers while a patient uses NSAIDs like ibuprofen, but is also used for medical abortions and to induce labor.

Medical abortions

If you are here looking for information about medical abortions, the drug you may be prescribed will probably be known as misoprostol. The "abortion pill" normally consists of two steps. The first step is the drug mifepristone, which will be administered at a doctor's office or family planning clinic. It causes the placenta to start separating and contractions to start. Then, misoprostol is the next step. It brings on strong contractions and ends the pregnancy, if taken at a time when the pregnancy is not yet viable, like during the first trimester.

Labor induction

When used for labor induction, the drug will likely be called Cytotec. Cytotec brings on contractions, as you read in the previous paragraph, and is very effective. Women who are taking the drug for stomach ulcers are warned to stay far away from it if they could possibly be pregnant. For labor induction, Cytotec is used off-label.

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved Cytotec for the induction of labor, and its use is surrounded by controversy despite the fact that it is frequently used. Before you agree to inducing labor with thus drug, which can be inserted into the vagina or taken orally, talk to your doctor about possible side effects. A possible side effect of Cytotec is uterine rupture, which can be life-threatening for mother and baby.