INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT

Cytotec ® 200 microgram Tablets

Misoprostol

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine. This leaflet can’t tell you everything about your medicine, so if you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Some information about your tablets

The name of your medicine is Cytotec® 200 microgram Tablets. Its scientific name is ‘misoprostol’. Your medicine will be called Cytotec throughout the rest of this leaflet.

The tablets are hexagonal and white and marked ‘SEARLE 1461’ on one side. They are packed in foil blister strips in packs of 60 or 140 tablets.

What is Cytotec?

Cytotec belongs to a group of medicines known as ‘anti-ulcer agents’.

Cytotec is similar to substances called ‘prostaglandins’ which your body produces naturally. Prostaglandins are produced in the stomach and intestine and help to keep them healthy.

Cytotec protects the lining of your stomach by: stopping stomach acid secretions that usually build up at night. Cytotec reduces the volume of these stomach secretions; the amount of activity of stomach fluids, and also increases the amount of bicarbonates secretions in your stomach.

What does Cytotec do?

You will have been prescribed Cytotec to heal or prevent ulcers in your stomach or, the part it empties into, called the duodenum.

Prostaglandins are produced in the lining of your stomach and intestine to protect it. If the amount of prostaglandins is not enough you may develop ulcers. These can occasionally have serious results such as bleeding. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can reduce the amount of natural prostaglandins in your gut and can produce ulcers. Cytotec will replace these prostaglandins and help protect your stomach and intestine, so you can continue taking your NSAID for as long as you need it.

Before you take Cytotec

• Don't take Cytotec if you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, because it may cause a miscarriage. Women who have not reached the menopause should use reliable contraception while they are taking Cytotec.
• Don't take Cytotec if you are breast feeding.
• Don't take Cytotec if you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to misoprostol or another prostaglandin medicine in the past.
• Don't take Cytotec if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the other ingredients in it.
• Tell your doctor if you have other health problems such as diseases of the heart or blood vessels.

Cytotec contains an ingredient called hydrogenated castor oil. This ingredient may cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. If you are unsure whether to take Cytotec, please contact your doctor or pharmacist straight away.

How to take Cytotec

• Cytotec should normally be taken by adults only.
• Follow your doctor's instructions on how many Cytotec tablets to take and when to take them.
  • For healing your stomach ulcers: Swallow one tablet, four times a day or two tablets twice a day with breakfast and or each main meal and at bedtime.
  • For preventing stomach ulcers: Swallow 1 tablet two times, three times or four times daily.

You will also find this information on the label on the carton. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to take a tablet, just take the next one at the usual time.

• Take your tablets with food.
• Do not take a different amount of Cytotec or take it more often than your doctor tells you.
• Continue to take Cytotec for as long as your doctor tells you.
• Your Cytotec tablets are for you. Do not give them to other people.

Does Cytotec have side effects?

All medicines can sometimes have side effects. With Cytotec, these effects usually wear off as your body gets used to the medicine.

• Diarrhoea is the most common problem and is usually severe and prolonged. You have less chance of getting diarrhoea if you take Cytotec with food. If you use an 'antacid' (something to reduce acid in the stomach), you should avoid using magnesium-containing antacids as they may make diarrhoea worse. Your pharmacist can help you choose the most suitable antacid. If diarrhoea continues and causes you trouble, tell your doctor.
• Some people get stomach pain, wind or indigestion when they start to take Cytotec. They may also feel or be sick.
• Women may have problems with their periods- for example they may have heavy bleeding or they may get bleeding between periods. Some women may have vaginal bleeding even though they have gone through the menopause.
• You may get a skin rash or you may very occasionally feel dizzy.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of these problems or any other change in your health while you are taking Cytotec.

How to store Cytotec

Do not store above 30°C. Store in the original package. Keep out of the reach and sight of children..

Take any out-of-date or unused tablets to your pharmacist who will dispose of them safely.