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News/Alerts
Pregnant Women Beware: Cytotec Alert
Cytotec, manufactured by G.D. Searle,
came on the market in 1988 as an ulcer drug. Through a loophole in FDA policy, once a drug is approved, it can be used for
anything. Somehow it was discovered that Cytotec would induce or start labor. In fact it is now the "agent of choice"according
to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist's (ACOG) chairman.
Induction
rates have doubled in the last ten years with one in five women having their labor started with drugs. 30% of babies
whose mothers receive Cytotec pass meconium, the baby's first poop, while still in utero. This is a sign of distress and
can pose problems with breathing and infection at birth.
The package insert says, "Cytotec
may cause the uterus to rupture if it is used to induce labor." Uterine rupture, "may result in severe bleeding,
extended hospitalization, surgery, infertility or death."In August 2000, Searle sernt a letter to 200,000 healthcare
providers saying that Cytotec is contraindicated in pregnancy.
There have been dozens of lawsuits
when mothers and babies have died or been brain damaged. They all have gag orders so you won't see it in the media.
You are not likely to be told you are taking an experimental drug, one which the manufacturer specifically
warns against using in pregnancy.
See my book Amazing Birth Stories for a more complete article
with resources and statistics. You can ask your local hospital pharmacist for the package insert or call Pfizer 1-800-323-4204.
If natural methods don't work to stimulate labor, Pitocin is a safer choice for you and your
baby.
I'm just reading new data from 2005 and unfortunately
it is even worse. 41% of women are having their labors induced with drugs and an additional 34% get augmented with Pitocin
in labor.
The 2005 Caesarian rate was 32%, up 3% in one year! 2006-35%
Gardisil-
added to below. By the end of August 2007, there were 3,779 reported adverse events and eight deaths.
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