Re: Vioxx -- Cytotec

[Guest guest]

There is a drug called Cytotec that, taken with an anti-inflammatory

(NSAID) helps to prevent ulcers. Here is a story from one of my

fellow WLS patients about it:

" The medicine is called cytotec, you take it everytime you have to

take an anti-inflammatory. If your PCP or other doctor prescribes

it, just tell them you need the cytotec and they can prescribe that

too. "

From webmd.com:

Misoprostol

Brand names: Cytotec. Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and replaces

protective substances in the stomach that are inhibited by

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin.

What is the most important information I should know about misoprostol?

* Do not take misoprostol for the prevention of stomach ulcers

if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant during treatment.

If you do become pregnant during treatment with misoprostol, stop

taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Misoprostol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that

misoprostol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Misoprostol can

cause miscarriage or spontaneous abortion (sometimes incomplete which

could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and

surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. Misoprostol has also

been reported to cause uterine rupture (tearing) when given after the

eighth week of pregnancy, which can result in severe bleeding,

hysterectomy, and / or maternal or fetal death. A pregnancy test with

negative results will be required within 2 weeks of starting

treatment with misoprostol, and treatment will begin only on the

second or third day of a regular menstrual cycle. Also, appropriate

contraception will be needed to prevent pregnancy during treatment

and for one menstrual cycle following treatment. In some cases,

misoprostol may be used under the supervision of a doctor for the

induction of labor and delivery or abortion.

--Steve

At 6:53 AM -0500 11/7/02, Regina Block wrote:

>Vioxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that was developed to

>help arthritis sufferers who were developing ulcers and stomach problems

>from taking aspirin and Ibuprofen. It was first touted as stomach

>friendly and frequently prescribed. Another drug that came out around

>that time was Celebrex. It was soon found out that neither one of these

>medications were stomach friendly and they in fact can cause ulcers and

>spontaneous bleeding.

>

>My surgeon and my gastro docs do not want me taking Vioxx or Celebrex. I

>was given Vioxx for a case of pericarditis two years ago and the reason

>why I took it was because originally after my wls the surgeon told all

>of his patients that we could take Vioxx and Celebrex. So I thought it

>was ok. In the interim is when they found out how bad these drugs but

>was never informed about it and didn't tell my docs that my cardiologist

>had prescribed the Vioxx for me. I developed an ulcer and severe

>gastritis from it.

>

>Surgeon wanted me to take Vioxx for three days when I had the phlebitis

>in my arm and gastro doc told him that I can take it only for three days

>but would have to double up on my Librax and Nexium while I was on it.

>

>Be careful with these drugs. They can and do cause some potentially

>major problems.

>

>Regina