Do they always use cytotec for induction?

diana563 · August 2011

i read some horrible things about this drug. "Pregnant in America" described it as potentially dangerous... now that i am getting closer to THE day, i am kind of beginning to "freak out". Even though in generally i am a positive person, its better to be prepared to something rather than completely rule it out and then get the shock of your life if things come to it. So being induced.. does it always mean Cytotec?

RoxanneA · August 2011

I've never even heard of that one, I thought it was pitocin.

NeonEyeliner77 · August 2011

It's supposed to help dilate and soften the cervix. It's not FDA approved for use in inductions but it's been around for some years and there are good and bad stories associated with it. Cervidil is the other drug they use that's safest as far as I've heard but can take longer. I'm on the fence, my doctor wants to use it for ready my cervix before Pitocin is started.

NFG0603 · August 2011

No. I had it with my first along with Cervidal and Pitocin. Too many drugs for my system but my body would NOT go into labor and I was not making any progress on my own.

I am scheduled to be induced AGAIN tomorrow a 41 weeks and am 3 cm this time so I will just need pitocin. Cervidl and Cyotex are used to get you to dilate.

frankie814 · August 2011

I am an L & D nurse and I know that the hospital I work at will not use Cytotec for inductions anymore. I am in quite the pickly myself because I am deliverying elsewhere and they claim that is the only drug that they use at their facility. I am already high risk due to my heart condition and I do not want the possibility of any other complications introduced if they do not need to be. They will not let me go past 40 weeks due to my own health, so I am trying to weigh my options here. I do not want cytotec that's for sure!!! Good luck in whatever you decide.

Francesca

mabst196 · August 2011

It depends on what you need. If you are dilated and effaced and not having contractions, they'll give pitocin. If you are not dilated or effaced enough, yes, they will do cytotec or some other type of prostaglandin (cervical ripening agent).

diana563 · August 2011

thanks for the clarification ladies... i guess they are the doctors and they are supposed to know what they are doing... its just hard to think that you cannot be in control of your own body during labor and ask it to dilate or efface ...

ShawMich · August 2011

The hospital I go to uses Cervadil to soften the cervix. If you are already starting to dilate, they may just hook you up to Pitocin to bring on the contractions. When I was 41 weeks pregnant with my first son, I needed the Cervadil because I was barely a finger-tip dilated.

Good luck.

adri77 · August 2011

I think most use cervadil. I however, had a completely uncomplicated cytotec induction with DS1 (almost 5 years ago) I had ZERO progress of my own.

emmyloustu · August 2011

it is your body, your baby and your care. You can refuse cytotec and request cervadil or even a foley bulb instead if you need something before they start the pitocin.

smilelari · August 2011

No it's not always used. In fact, it should never be used.

danztam · August 2011

Cytotec can be safe if guidelines of 25 mg every 4-6 hours are used with contin. fetal monitoring for the first dose. Also if you are not a VBAC your risk of things like uterine rupture (which really is the big thing with ALL induction meds) is extremely rare...remember even pitocin has that risk if not used safely and with monitoring. You can read a lot on the internet that will scare the crap out of you but ask yourself, is this a researched article written by someone with knowledge of what they speak of and the science to make the statements or just someones blown out of proportion theories....which most websites and claims against things like this are. Web MD, randomly run websites/blogs/documentaries and wikipedia are not reliable sources of information.

You should however, ask your particular healthcare provider about cytotec, how it is used in your hospital, other alternatives to getting things progressing (ie: accupuncture, moxibustion, herbs) , and voice any other concerns you have, especially if you are worried.

Good luck, Im sure all will go well. I know that for me Cytotec may be an option but Im not worried, Im in good hands, no crazy history medically and trying accupuncture to make things progress without intervention, hopefully it will work.

smilelari · August 2011

danztam:
Cytotec can be safe if guidelines of 25 mg every 4-6 hours are used with contin. fetal monitoring for the first dose. Also if you are not a VBAC your risk of things like uterine rupture (which really is the big thing with ALL induction meds) is extremely rare...remember even pitocin has that risk if not used safely and with monitoring. You can read a lot on the internet that will scare the crap out of you but ask yourself, is this a researched article written by someone with knowledge of what they speak of and the science to make the statements or just someones blown out of proportion theories....which most websites and claims against things like this are. Web MD, randomly run websites/blogs/documentaries and wikipedia are not reliable sources of information.
You should however, ask your particular healthcare provider about cytotec, how it is used in your hospital, other alternatives to getting things progressing (ie: accupuncture, moxibustion, herbs) , and voice any other concerns you have, especially if you are worried.

Good luck, Im sure all will go well. I know that for me Cytotec may be an option but Im not worried, Im in good hands, no crazy history medically and trying accupuncture to make things progress without intervention, hopefully it will work.

The FDA has published a safety warning indicating that cytotec should not be used for labor induction. Do you consider the FDA to be a reliable source of information?

If you must be induced, there are safer alternatives.

jcegan71 · August 2011

No, the hospital I work at uses Cervidil, and if needed, Pitocin. If the Cervidil doesn't work the first time, they repeat it. Cytotec is reserved for certain cases (non-viable fetus/known stillbirth), and I think we've only used it a handful of times in the past year. I would ask your hospital what their policies are regarding the use of Cytotec, as well as your OB/GYN. Like most medications, there is always risk, and there will be people with both positive and negative experiences with it. I advise you to share your concerns with your physician, and establish a game plan before you arrive at the hospital. It will do a lot for your peace of mind.

danztam · August 2011

I'm an RN and many meds are used off label! When Zantac came out over 15 years ago, it hard warnings and was considered "experimental", etc, now it's widely used.I practice in a specialty that uses A lot of medications off label and yes they have warnings issued by the FDA, but in some instances these meds we use off label are beneficial for the right patient.Cytotec can be used safely. The FDA is a great agency but not 100% right all the time!It's an individual decision that you as a laboring woman should make, and it should be an informed decision.... Just as I mentioned.

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Do they always use cytotec for induction?

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