The use of misoprostol (Cytotec) for cervical ripening or induction of labor has been increasing over the years. Several incidences of poor outcomes have been reported with the use of Cytotec. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2015) warns that “there can be serious side effects, including a torn uterus, when misoprostol is used for labor and delivery. A torn uterus may result in severe bleeding, having the uterus removed (hysterectomy), and death of the mother or baby” (para. 2).
Although Cytotec has been used successfully with good outcomes, it has also had poor outcomes. One example of a poor outcome related to the use of Cytotec, occurred in December 2001 in California. A pregnant patient who was post-dates with an “unremarkable” pregnancy was persuaded by her physician to induce labor. The patient and her husband were reluctant because they knew that Cytotec was not approved by the FDA to be used for the induction of labor. The patient was told by the physician that using Cytotec for induction was a “standard of care”. The patient eventually agreed and Cytotec was administered. Ten hours later the patient and her infant passed away in the operating room (Oden, 2009, p48-49).…show more content… 50). In August 2000, the manufacturer released a letter warning against the use of Cytotec in pregnant women due to the risks associated with the use including hyperstimulation of the uterus, uterine rupture, fetal bradycardia, amniotic fluid embolism, and maternal and fetal death (Oden, 2009, p. 49). In December 2000, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reaffirmed their position of the use, supporting its use for induction of labor (Goldberg, 2003, p.