Understanding How Cytotec (Misoprostol) Works

Know the Cytotec dosage and its different administration routes:

·       Mifepristone: When using combined Mifepristone and Cytotec, understanding the work of progesterone blocker is important. This medicine stops the progress of pregnancy by restricting the hormone (progesterone) availability. This sheds the uterine lining, causing the pregnancy tissues to separate from the implantation place.

·       Cytotec: This medicine contains Misoprostol as the active ingredient. It makes the cervix wide by ripening and dilating it to pass the pregnancy successfully without hurdles. Moreover, Cytotec pills cause uterine contractions for quick pregnancy expulsion. The pregnancy portions vacate the womb via heavy vaginal bleeding.

Using Cytotec Alone or With Mifepristone

Learn how to take Cytotec pills only as well as how to start Cytotec medical abortion process by taking Mifepristone beforehand:

·       Mifepristone and Cytotec (Buccal or Sublingual): Take Mifepristone 200mg orally with water, swallowing it without powdering or breaking. Use Misoprostol 4 x 200mcg pills 24 to 48 hours later buccally by placing 2 pills at one cheek pouch, and next 2 pills in another cheek pouch. Consume the melted contents orally thereafter. Or, place the 4 pills under tongue (sublingual mode) and ingest the dissolved pills after 30 minutes:

·       Cytotec Vaginal Insertion: You may opt to insert one pill at a time inside the vaginal tract. Place all the 4 pills successfully deep inside with clean hands by lying down on your back. The medicine gets absorbed in the body after melting, approximately in half an hour.

·       Cytotec Only Process: Start with 4 x 200mcg Cytotec pills (buccally, sublingually, or vaginally). The second dose of 4 Cytotec (Misoprostol) pills is taken after 3-4 hours. Then lastly, administer the third dose of 4 pills after another 3-4 hours. If bleeding begins after any dose, and you have inserted the medicine vaginally, switch to buccal or sublingual use for the next doses.

Cytotec Side Effects and Their Management

Most of the common side effects are signs abortion pill working fine. These occur usually after Cytotec as compared to Mifepristone (Mifeprex or Generic RU486):

·       Common Consequences: Headache, stomach upset, dehydration, tiredness, or dizziness. Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Consume electrolyte-drinks such as tender coconut water, mineral salt beverages, etc. Take enough rest and limit physical movements.

·       Morning Sickness: Vomiting and nausea can happen after Cytotec intake. You may keep antiemetic medicine in stock as this prevents the risk of these consequences.

·       Cramps and Pain: Uterine contractions are essential to expel pregnancy. But these may cause abdominal cramps and pain, ranging from moderate to intense episodes. You may take pain relieving meds, apply a hot water bag or heating pad for some comfort and manage the pain.

·       Heavy Bleeding: Heavy vaginal bleeding follows on using Cytotec to exit the pregnancy tissues. Avoid using menstrual cups and tampons. Large sanitary pads are perfect options to manage the bleeding and keep a check on the blood flow amount.

Cytotec Precautions to Keep a Note of

Here are the important points to consider for medical abortion via Misoprostol Cytotec pills:

·       What to Avoid: Do not take heavy meals and spicy food as these would worsen stomach upset. Similarly, do not drink alcohol as it may elevate dizziness, lightheadedness, with additional discomforts. Keep caffeine intake in check as it can cause gastric issues.

·       Foods to Add: Eat light snacks and food, follow a nutritious diet full of foods rich in iron / omega-3 fatty acids / fiber / vitamins / lean proteins / healthy carbs, etc.

·       Vaginal Intercourse: While the bleeding lasts (heavy and light), do not engage in vaginal intercourse as it may increase the risk of infection.

·       Birth Control and Fertility: If you are sexually active, use the recommended birth control to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Fertility can return in short time within 8 to 11 days or may sometimes take up to 6 weeks.

Cytotec Interactions and Possible Contraindications

Here are some scopes of interactions and contraindications of Cytotec abortion pills:

·       Things to Keep in Mind: The abortion pill contraindications are long-term corticosteroid therapy ongoing, pregnancy over 12 weeks, an unremoved intrauterine device, allergy to abortion pill ingredients, unexplained vaginal bleeding, chronic adrenal failure, artificial heart valve, inherited porphyria, severe asthma / kidney / liver / heart disorder, use of blood thinners,

·       Strictly Restrict These: Avoid interactions like grapefruit juice, erythromycin, ketoconazole, and other CYP3A4 inhibitors. Similarly, do not combine Cytotec with seizure medicines, immunosuppressants, dexamethasone, blood thinners, and CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, phenytoin, St. John’s Wort, etc.

Follow-Up and Times You May Need Medical Attention

The success rate of Cytotec-only procedure is 84% to 95%, while that of Mifepristone and Cytotec (Misoprostol) combined use is 95% to 98%. Both options have a considerable chance of causing a complete abortion. However, follow-up is advisable after 14 days from ending the abortion pill regimen. Plus, certain rare complications may require immediate emergency care or attention:

·       Abortion Result Check: After a couple of weeks, get abortion outcomes confirmed through an ultrasound scan for the whole abdomen. It will help detect if the pregnancy tissues are absent in the uterus or there are any leftovers. In case of an incomplete abortion, the physician may suggest additional Cytotec dose or a surgical termination.

·       Emergency Professional Help: Urgent medical care may be required if you experience foul-smelling or unusual vaginal discharge, a fever over 100.4°F/38°C lasting for over 24 hours, excessive bleeding (soaking 2 large pads every hour that continues even for the next couple of hours), or if there are fainting spelling, extreme dizziness / lightheadedness / weakness, unmanaged pain even after using pain relief medicines and other pain management techniques.