Misoprostol tablet

What is this medicine?

MISOPROSTOL reduces stomach acid and helps protect the stomach from damage that can be caused by taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Misoprostol is used to prevent stomach ulcers during treatment with aspirin or an NSAID.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to misoprostol or other prostaglandins, or if you are pregnant.

To make sure misoprostol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other intestinal problems;

• heart disease; or

• if you are dehydrated.

FDA pregnancy category X. Misoprostol can cause birth defects, premature birth, uterine rupture, miscarriage, or incomplete miscarriage and dangerous uterine bleeding. Do not use misoprostol if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.

If you are able to become pregnant, you will need to have a negative pregnancy test before you start taking misoprostol. Treatment with this medicine should begin on the second or third day of your menstrual period.

Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether misoprostol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take this medicine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not share this medicine with another person.

Misoprostol is usually taken with meals and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may have nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea while taking this medicine, especially during the first few weeks after you start taking misoprostol. These symptoms usually last for about a week.

Call your doctor if you have severe nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea lasting longer than 8 days.

Read all medication guides or patient instructions provided with this medicine each time your receive a new supply.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What may interact with this medicine?

• antacids

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking 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.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe ongoing stomach discomfort or diarrhea; or

• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea;

• stomach pain, nausea, upset stomach, gas;

• vaginal bleeding or spotting, heavy menstrual flow; or

• menstrual cramps.

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep in a dry place. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.