XP: Yikes! Am I the only one who hadn't heard of this!

BakerMommy

We were talking about birthing choices at my childbirth class and the instructor told us about this drug (misoprostol/Cytotec) that is sometimes used to induce labor but has never been approved by the FDA for obstetric use (it's an ulcer drug) and can cause all kinds of bad things like ruptured uteruses. I guess the company that makes it even sent out a letter telling doctors not to use it to induce labor.

I was so scared when I heard that!  At least now I know to tell them to get the heck away from me if they come at me with misoprostol (some call it a little blue pill).  I just read about a friend of a friend being induced with it last year--scary!

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/458959

TheNextD'Angelo

I work in the hospital and never see it used. Most everyone uses pitocin

sarah2958

I don't understand why they would even allow that in a hospital?! I wonder if something went wrong if they could get sued for it? Hmm..keep it away from me!

cateye

From what I've read, there are a lot of meds that are used on pregnant women that aren't always approved by the FDA or the drug manufacturer.  Our childbirth lady told us about several - and similar issues with Pitocin, which I think is approved.   

Worcbride

I've only heard of pitocin (or however you spell it LOL)

Mrs.Meyer

Yes, I've heard of it, though I don't think it's very common. The pill is actually inserted vaginally for cervical ripening with induction. It can be taken orally, but has not been studied well enough in that form.

Bloomiemom

It's also used for medication abortions, and some surgical abortions as it thins the cervix.

murfygirl

Mrs.Meyer:

Yes, I've heard of it, though I don't think it's very common. The pill is actually inserted vaginally for cervical ripening with induction. It can be taken orally, but has not been studied well enough in that form.

This. I had a friend who's dr used it. Most of the time though it is pitocin.

emmyloustu

It would likely be used prior to beginning Pitocin - it is similar to Cervidil - used to soften the cervix, but much more dangerous. Ida May Gaskin writes about this drug in her book Ida May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. I would strongly recommend asking your OB if they use it and if they do, find a new practice ASAP! There is a ton of info out there on this topic...

xnbride

That is kind of scary because I know it is commonly prescribed for women who have had miscarriages or about to have them (pregnancy determined to be non viable but mom has not passed the "products of conception" yet).  This makes me kind of mad in fact.  I am glad I never took it. I heard alot of horror stories with this medication causing hemorraging etc.

Hulahoop1234

emmyloustu:

It would likely be used prior to beginning Pitocin - it is similar to Cervidil - used to soften the cervix, but much more dangerous. Ida May Gaskin writes about this drug in her book Ida May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. I would strongly recommend asking your OB if they use it and if they do, find a new practice ASAP! There is a ton of info out there on this topic...

 

Ditto this.  It is considered an off label use for the drug, and most hospitals will not use it anymore.  I would ask in advance.