How Safe is Misoprostol?

If the baby does not want to come or there are complications, the birth must be initiated. A new Cochrane Review has now come to the conclusion that the active ingredient misoprostol as a tablet in the correct dosage (maximum 50 mg) is often the best choice for this. The researchers compared more than 60 studies with one another and checked the scientific evidence. The active ingredient is controversial in Germany. Misoprostol (also known as Cytotec) is not officially approved for induction of labor, but is intended, among other things, for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Nevertheless, it was used in clinics for years in so-called off-label use for births. The drug caused serious complications in some pregnant women - the research team suspects that it was dosed incorrectly in these cases.