Cytotec

Cytotec (Misoprostol) is a drug manufactured by Searle and approved by the FDA to treat stomach ulcers.  Some medical providers use Cytotec in an “off-label” use to ripen the cervix as part of labor induction. As a result of the increasing off-label use of Cytotec by doctors delivering babies, the manufacturer sent a letter to doctors in August 2000 advising them that Cytotec was not approved for labor induction.  There are significant concerns about the safety of using Cytotec for labor induction.  In 1999, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (“ACOG”) published a Committee Opinion warning that there had been reports of uterine rupture when Cytotec had been used in labor induction in patients with a prior uterine scar – like VBAC patients.  ACOG stated its position that Cytotec was not recommended for cervical ripening in patients that had a prior cesarean delivery or other major uterine surgery.