--
Richard Chudacoff, MD
Chudacoff Obstetrics & Gynecology, PLLC
15200 Southwest Freeway, #270
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Tel: 281-277-3900
Fax: 281-277-3901
rchudacoff@mylinuxisp.com <mailto:rchudacoff@mylinuxisp.com>
Richard.Chudacoff@obgyn.net
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-----Original Message-----
From: ob-gyn-l@obgyn.net [mailto:ob-gyn-l@obgyn.net]On Behalf Of james
connerth
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2000 8:56 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list OB-GYN-L
Subject: - Letter
[U.S. Food and
Drug Administration]
_____
FDA posts safety alerts, public health advisories, press releases and other
notices from companies as a service to health professionals, consumers and
other interested parties. Although FDA approves medical products, FDA does
not endorse either the product or the company.
_____
This is the retyped text of a letter from Searle. Contact the company for a
copy of any referenced enclosures.
_____
August 23, 2000
Re:Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > . (misoprostol)
IMPORTANT DRUG WARNING
CONCERNING UNAPPROVED USE OF INTRAVAGINAL
OR ORAL MISOPROSTOL IN PREGNANT WOMEN
FOR INDUCTION OF LABOR OR ABORTION
Dear Health Care Provider:
The purpose of this letter is to remind you that <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > administration by any route is contraindicated in
women who are pregnant because it can cause abortion. <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > is not approved for the induction of labor or
abortion.
<
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > is indicated for the prevention of NSAID
(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin)-induced gastric
ulcers in patients at high risk of complications from gastric ulcer, e.g.,
the elderly and patients with concomitant debilitating disease, as well as
patients at high risk of developing gastric ulceration, such as patients
with a history of ulcer.
The uterotonic effect of <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > is an inherent property of prostaglandin E1(PGE1), of
which <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > is stable, orally active, synthetic analog. Searle
has become aware of some instances where <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > , outside of its approved indication, was used as a
cervical ripening agent prior to termination of pregnancy, or for induction
of labor, in spite of the specific contraindications to its use during
pregnancy.
Serious adverse events reported following off-label use of <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > in pregnant women include maternal or fetal death;
uterine hyperstimulation, rupture or perforation requiring uterine surgical
repair, hysterectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy; amniotic fluid embolism;
severe vaginal bleeding, retained placenta, shock, fetal bradycardia and
pelvic pain.
Searle has not conducted research concerning the use of <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > for cervical ripening prior to termination of
pregnancy or for induction of labor, nor does Searle intend to study or
support these uses. Therefore, Searle is unable to provide complete risk
information for <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > when it is used for such purposes. In addition to the
known and unknown acute risks to the mother and fetus, the effect of <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > on the later growth, development and functional
maturation of the child when <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > is used for induction of labor or cervical ripening
has not been established.
Searle promotes the use of <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec >
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > only for its approved indication. Please read the
enclosed updated complete Prescribing Information for <
<http://www.verity.fda.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=htt
p%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efda%2Egov%2Fmedwatch%2Fsafety%2F2000%2Fcytote%2Ehtm&DocOffse
t=1&DocsFound5&QueryZip=cytotec&Collection=all&SearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%
2Everity%2Efda%2E > Cytotec.
Further information may be obtained by calling 1-800-323-4204.
Michael Cullen, MD
Medical Director, U.S.
Searle
_____
Searle
5200 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, Illinois, 60077
Phone: (847) 982-7000
Fax: (847) 470-1480
_____
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_____
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