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HomeDrugsMisoprostol (Cytotec) Prices

misoprostol

Generic Cytotec

Used for Gastric Ulcer, Labor Induction

Misoprostol (Cytotec) can be used for a variety of conditions. It's FDA approved to lower the risk of stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) in certain people. Misoprostol (Cytotec) is also commonly used off-label for medical abortion (using prescribed medications to end a pregnancy) and inducing (starting) labor in people who are pregnant.

Reviewed by:

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 8, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Contraindications Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Misoprostol (Cytotec)?

What is Misoprostol (Cytotec) used for?

Reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - FDA-approved
Medical abortion - Off-label
Labor induction - Off-label

How Misoprostol (Cytotec) works

Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a prostaglandin. It acts like your body's natural prostaglandins, which are chemicals that help protect the stomach to prevent injury and ulcers. Not only do NSAIDs lower the amount of prostaglandins within the stomach area, but the medication itself can cause stomach injury. So people who take NSAIDs have a higher risk of stomach ulcers. That's why certain people who take NSAIDs might also be prescribed misoprostol (Cytotec) to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.

For people who are using the medication for medical abortion or labor induction, misoprostol (Cytotec) causes the uterus to contract and empty.

Are you looking for information on mifepristone (Mifeprex) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCytotec

Drug ClassProstaglandin

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$14.15(save 66.23%)

GoodRx discount

$4.78

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What are the side effects of Misoprostol (Cytotec)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Diarrhea (14-40%)
Stomach pain (13-20%)

Other Side Effects

Fever
Chills
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Gas
Upset stomach
Constipation

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Cramps

heavy bleeding

painful menstruation

Incidence not known

Bladder pain

bloody nose

bloody or black, tarry stools

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

body aches or pain

chest pain

chills

confusion

constipation

cough

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with moving

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

ear congestion

feeling unusually cold

fever

frequent urge to urinate

headache

hives, itching, or skin rash

loss of voice

lower back or side pain

muscle pain or stiffness

nasal congestion

nervousness

pain in the joints

pale skin

pounding in the ears

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

runny nose

severe stomach pain

shivering

slow or fast heartbeat

sneezing

sore throat

sweating

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

diarrhea

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bloated

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

full feeling

heartburn

indigestion

passing gas

stomach discomfort or upset

Incidence not known

Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

breast pain

burning, dry, or itching eyes

change in taste

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

cracked, dry, scaly skin

depression

discharge, excessive tearing

hair loss or thinning of the hair

hearing loss

lack or loss of strength

paleness of the skin

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

weight changes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of Misoprostol (Cytotec)

Pros

Lowers risk of stomach injury and ulcers from NSAIDs

Safe to use in older adults who are at high risk for stomach problems with NSAIDs

Proven safe and effective when used for medical abortions or labor induction

Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Can cause diarrhea and stomach cramping

Can't be used for ulcer prevention in people who are pregnant

Needs to be taken four times a day with food if used for ulcer prevention

Must be taken at specific time intervals if taken for medical abortion

Pharmacist tips for Misoprostol (Cytotec)

For ulcer prevention

Make sure to take misoprostol (Cytotec) four times a day with food to lessen your risk of diarrhea. A dosing schedule you could follow, for example, would be to take the medication three times throughout the day with meals, followed by the last dose at bedtime.

Let your provider know if you're having a lot of side effects from misoprostol (Cytotec). Your dose might need to be lowered if you're having a hard time tolerating the usual dose.

If you stop taking NSAIDs, you can also stop taking misoprostol (Cytotec). This is because misoprostol (Cytotec) works to prevent stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs.

For medical abortion

Instead of swallowing the pill, you'll need to place a certain number of pills either under your tongue or against your cheeks inside your mouth for 30 minutes until they dissolve. To make sure the medication gets fully absorbed, don't eat or drink when the pill is dissolving, but remember to wash it down with water after the 30 minutes is up. Depending on the regimen you use, you might need to repeat the step again.

Expect to have stomach cramps and vaginal bleeding within 1 to 4 hours after taking misoprostol (Cytotec). If you don't have any bleeding after 24 hours of taking the medication, let your provider know, because you might need another dose. Keep in mind that everyone will have a different experience.

For labor induction

The dose of misoprostol (Cytotec) for labor induction is usually lower than that used for ulcer prevention or medical abortion.

You'll either take misoprostol (Cytotec) by mouth or it's placed vaginally by a healthcare provider. Your provider will help decide the best way to induce labor.

Frequently asked questions about Misoprostol (Cytotec)

Will misoprostol (Cytotec) affect how NSAIDs work for pain?

No, misoprostol (Cytotec) won't change how your NSAID medications, such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), work. Continue to take them as prescribed by your provider. In fact, if you're using misoprostol (Cytotec) for a medical abortion, it's also recommended that you take it with an NSAID to reduce pain.

Can I take misoprostol (Cytotec) with an antacid if I'm using it for ulcer prevention?

Antacids can lower how much misoprostol (Cytotec) your body absorbs. But, people in clinical studies who used it for ulcer prevention took misoprostol (Cytotec) with antacids without any issues, so it's usually okay. The only antacids you should avoid with this medication are those that contain magnesium, such as Mylanta, since they can worsen diarrhea.

When should I be concerned about diarrhea from misoprostol (Cytotec) if I'm taking this medication for ulcer prevention?

Diarrhea and stomach pain are the most common side effects with misoprostol (Cytotec). For most people who take it for ulcer prevention, it's worse when you first start the medication, and then it typically stops after the first week. Taking misoprostol (Cytotec) with food can also lessen diarrhea. If you've been taking the medication with food for more than a week and are still having severe diarrhea, it might be time to talk to your provider.

How well does misoprostol (Cytotec) work for medical abortion?

For medical abortion, misoprostol (Cytotec) is either used together with mifepristone (Mifeprex) or on its own. It works better when taken with mifepristone (Mifeprex) (about 97% effective), compared to when taken alone (about 80% effective). Depending on where you live, mifepristone (Mifeprex) might be hard to obtain, so your provider will help to decide your dosing regimen.

How is misoprostol (Cytotec) used for labor induction?

Sometimes, misoprostol (Cytotec) is used to induce (start) labor. It's typically given at certain hourly intervals at much lower doses compared to the dose for ulcer prevention or medical abortion. Depending on the situation, using misoprostol (Cytotec) can improve pregnancy outcomes and is given under the supervision of a trained provider.

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What are the risks and warnings for Misoprostol (Cytotec)?

Misoprostol (Cytotec) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Termination of pregnancy and harm to unborn baby if used for stomach ulcer prevention

Misoprostol (Cytotec) shouldn't be used to prevent stomach ulcers in people who are pregnant. Misoprostol (Cytotec) can cause unwanted effects during pregnancy, including pregnancy loss (abortion), premature birth, birth defects, or damage to the uterus. Because of this, your provider will require you to take steps to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. This might include taking pregnancy tests, birth control, or starting misoprostol (Cytotec) on a specific day after your next period. If you're pregnant and want to prevent stomach ulcers from NSAIDs, talk to your provider about other treatment options that are safer for you and your baby.

However, misoprostol (Cytotec) can be used safely and carefully in people who are pregnant for medical abortion or labor induction. Your provider will discuss with you about how to take the medication safely.

Misoprostol (Cytotec) dosage forms

The average cost for 2 tablets of 200mcg of Misoprostol (Cytotec) is $4.78 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 66.23% off the average retail price of $14.15.

Tablet

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
100mcg	60 tablets	$12.30	$0.21
200mcg	2 tablets	$4.78	$2.39

Typical dosing for Misoprostol (Cytotec)

Reduce the risk of stomach ulcers: The typical dose is 200 mcg by mouth four times a day with food.
Medical abortion: The medication is taken by mouth either in combination with mifepristone (Mifeprex) or on its own.
Labor induction: The medication is usually given in the hospital by a provider before labor at lower doses.

Interactions between Misoprostol (Cytotec) and other drugs

Misoprostol (Cytotec) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Misoprostol (Cytotec). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Phenylbutazone

How much does Misoprostol (Cytotec) cost?

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Cytotec (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$4.78

(save 77.75%)

Misoprostol (Cytotec) (generic)

GoodRx lowest price

$4.78

(save 66.23%)

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Misoprostol (Cytotec) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Misoprostol (Cytotec) will not be safe for you to take.

Use for ulcer prevention during pregnancy

What are alternatives to Misoprostol (Cytotec)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Misoprostol (Cytotec). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Misoprostol (Cytotec)

Used for:

Reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - FDA-approved
Medical abortion - Off-label
Labor induction - Off-label

$4.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Famotidine (Pepcid AC)

Used for:

Prevention and treatment of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

Gastric ulcer (open sore in the stomach)
Duodenal ulcer (open sore in the first part of the small intestine)
Heartburn (GERD)
Erosive esophagitis due to GERD (inflammation of the esophagus)
Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid secretion (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

$6.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Used for:

Heartburn — OTC only
Stomach or duodenal ulcer
Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)