What is this medicine?
MISOPROSTOL (mye soe PROST ole) helps to prevent stomach ulcers in patients who take medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin and who are at high risk of complications from ulcers.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Arthrotec 50 50-200MG-MCG Tablets | PFIZER U.S. | 60/$154.34 or 180/$452 |
| Arthrotec 75 75-200MG-MCG Tablets | PFIZER U.S. | 60/$160.94 or 180/$458.6 |
| Cytotec 100MCG Tablets | PFIZER U.S. | 60/$72.76 or 180/$204.71 |
| Cytotec 200MCG Tablets | PFIZER U.S. | 60/$104.99 or 180/$293.98 |
| Misoprostol 100MCG Tablets | GREENSTONE | 60/$39.99 or 180/$106.99 |
| Misoprostol 200MCG Tablets | GREENSTONE | 60/$56.99 or 180/$155.97 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- chest pain
- fainting spells
- severe diarrhea
- sudden shortness of breath
- unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or cramping
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- dizziness
- headache
- menstrual irregularity, spotting, or cramps
- mild diarrhea
- nausea
- stomach upset or cramps
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food.Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Pregnancy (for reducing the risk of NSAIA-induced gastric ulcers).
- Known hypersensitivity to prostaglandins.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from medicine like ibuprofen and aspirin.
If you are female, do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Do not get pregnant while taking this medicine and for at least one month (one full menstrual cycle) after stopping this medicine. If you can become pregnant, use a reliable form of birth control while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about birth control options. If you do become pregnant, think you are pregnant, or want to become pregnant, immediately call your doctor for advice.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Crohn's disease
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- ulcerative colitis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to misoprostol, prostaglandins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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