Misoprostol brands and prices in Pakistan

About Misoprostol

Misoprostol is a man-made version of a natural body substance called a prostaglandin. In the stomach, it protects the stomach lining and lowers the amount of acid made. In the womb (uterus), it makes the muscles contract and softens and opens the neck of the womb (cervix). Because of this second effect, it can cause a miscarriage or early labour, so it must never be taken in pregnancy except when a doctor is using it for a pregnancy-related reason.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Pregnancy: misoprostol can cause miscarriage, early labour and birth defects. Anyone who could become pregnant and takes it for stomach protection needs a negative pregnancy test first and must use reliable contraception.
• If a pregnancy continues after misoprostol was used to end it, there is a higher risk of birth defects, and the pregnancy needs specialist care.
• Do not take it if you are allergic to misoprostol or other prostaglandin medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you have had a caesarean section or other surgery on the womb, as there is a rare risk of the womb tearing.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel disease, or risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, anaemia, malnutrition, or a bleeding or clotting problem.
• If you have a contraceptive coil (IUD), it needs to be removed before pregnancy-related treatment.
• Breastfeeding: advice differs. The UK leaflet for the pregnancy-ending product says not to breastfeed while taking it, while the WHO-recommended leaflet says only tiny amounts reach breast milk and breastfeeding can continue. Ask your doctor.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Antacids that contain magnesium
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or diclofenac. For stomach protection, misoprostol is often prescribed alongside these on purpose, but your doctor should always know you take them.
• Mifepristone, which is used together with misoprostol only under medical supervision
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Never share misoprostol with anyone else, especially someone who is or could be pregnant.
• For any pregnancy-related use, follow the instructions of your doctor or midwife exactly and go to every follow-up check, so they can confirm the treatment has worked.
• If you are sick (vomit) after taking it for pregnancy-related care, contact your doctor, who will decide what to do.
• Wait until you know how it affects you before driving or using machines, as it can cause dizziness or tiredness.
• Keep the tablets in their original pack, in a cool, dry place, and out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not throw unused tablets in household waste or down the drain. Ask your pharmacist how to get rid of them safely.

Common questions

Why do I need contraception if I take misoprostol for my stomach?
Misoprostol makes the womb contract. If you become pregnant while taking it, it can cause a miscarriage, early labour or birth defects. That is why a pregnancy test and reliable contraception are needed for anyone who could become pregnant.

Why is misoprostol used after childbirth?
Misoprostol makes the womb contract. WHO-recommended product information lists preventing or stopping heavy bleeding after birth (postpartum haemorrhage) as one of its uses, when the medicine oxytocin cannot be given. It is used by trained health workers as part of maternity care.

Is diarrhoea normal?
Diarrhoea is one of the most common side effects. Contact your doctor if it is severe, does not go away, or you have bloody or black stools.

Is it safe to use misoprostol on my own to end a pregnancy?
No. Pregnancy-related uses need a qualified health worker to confirm how far along the pregnancy is, check that it is not an ectopic pregnancy, and follow up afterwards. Serious problems such as very heavy bleeding, infection or a tear in the womb can happen and need urgent care.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.