Potential Dangers of Misoprostol

Misoprostol, like the vast majority of drugs, has potential adverse effects. The Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Cytotec lists adverse effects and potential dangers of the drug. Click here for the SPC for Cytotec.
This SPC is for misoprostol when used as a drug to treat peptic ulcers. However, when misoprostol is used in reproductive health, different doses and routes are used. Thus the severity of side effects may differ from those mentioned in the SPC.

There are now large randomised controlled trials that have studied the side effects or complications of misoprostol when used for obstetric purposes. More detail can be found in the pages below:

Pyrexia/Fever
Shivering
Hyperstimulation
Teratogenicity

Click on the links to find out more information.

Many studies have reported that the other side effects listed in the SPC for misoprostol are not frequently seen in women administered misoprostol for obstetric purposes.

	Evidence Review