Some Women Turning to Cytotec as an Abortion Alternative

Have you heard of Cytotec or its generic form Misoprostol? This drug is intended to treat stomach ulcers and protect the stomach lining by decreasing acid secretion. Another controversial use deals with abortion. Some women are turning to Cytotec as a cost effective alternative to end an unwanted pregnancy as they cannot afford the more expensive traditional methods.

The practice of using Cytotec or Misoprostol privately by women to end pregnancy has been prevalent in Latin America countries for a number of years. Its popularity there is well known, as abortion in these countries is often illegal. In the United States, this is a growing problem as well. Many immigrant and low-income women have limited means and lack or do not have healthcare available to them. This drug is easily obtained thru underground sources and is very inexpensive to purchase.

As with any abortion there are risks involved. These are compounded by the fact that women are treating themselves and do not seek appropriate medical attention when complications occur. Heavy bleeding is often a complication and for many women a complete abortion does not always happen. Chances for complications greatly increase when this drug is taken beyond the first trimester. By the time many become fearful and seek help at their local Emergency Room, it is often too late.

Doctors are using this drug "off label" as well. Once the Food and Drug Administration approves a medication, a doctor is not restricted on how he chooses to prescribe that drug via a loophole in the system. Many doctors are using Cytotec or its generic form Misoprostol to induce labor or to soften the cervix for other medical procedures in the gynecological field.

Some question the safety of this drug for these "off label" procedures as it has not been studied or approved under theses circumstances. On the label for Cytotec there are even precautionary statements made about the use of this drug in pregnant women. Some would argue that these statements would not be there unless data proved serious risk could occur when used among women who are pregnant. Even without documented research or studies on its safety for use during pregnancy many doctors feel that the benefits outweigh the risks involved. They continue to use this drug "off label" raising questions and concern among many.

In desperation, many women will most likely continue to turn to this low cost drug as the answer to an unwanted pregnancy. More studies and better education are needed to help these women make choices that are more informed. They do not realize the health ramifications of taking this drug unsupervised. More research is also needed on the "off label" use of Cytotec and possible restrictions on its use should be added. Until then, off label use of this drug will most often be cloaked in controversy.

Sources:
http://www.wsmv.com/health/13206378/detail.html?rss=nash&psp=news
http://health.msn.com/womenshealth/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100160343
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/cytotec.asp