Misoprostol for Cervical Ripening User Reviews

• Bibi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2020

"I inserted this drug misoprostol last night prior to a procedure. Doctor had said I would experience very mild cramping. How wrong she was. The cramps woke me at at 1:00 a.m. and I lay down in a fetal position rocking myself for the next 5 hours in extreme pain. Fortunately, not all the drug had dissolved and I was able to remove about one and a quarter of the two pills. I cannot imagine my reaction if both the 2 tablets had dissolved. Apparently, mine is not a typical reaction but boy! I will never take this drug again. It is now almost 18 hours later and I still have some very mild cramps. No bleeding though."

• PDNS
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2022

"I was a little freaked out after reading the reviews and my sympathies to those ladies. However, my experience was much more positive. Inserted two pills the night before my biopsy, Had a little cramping, like a mild period pain and also some light spotting. This was gone by the morning. Used the other two pills next morning, prior to the procedure. Again, a very mild cramping and also a little bloating and "gas". Otherwise, felt fine with no nausea, vomiting, etc. The procedure went off without incident and the doctor had no issues inserting the tool, so overall the little bit of discomfort was worth it. Clearly, we all react differently to this drug but just wanted to reassure and readers that not all reactions are as severe as some of those noted."

• Anonymous
• September 4, 2018

"This is a horrible drug with debilitating side effects. I was prescribed this drug to help dilate my cervix for a procedure. My OBGYN said it would only cause mild cramping. They couldn't have been more wrong! Within 5 minutes after taking it I was in extreme pain, intense cramps like I've never had before, throwing up, diarrhea, shaking all over and more. Worse I have ever been...and it lasted more than 15 hours! Wasn't able to have my procedure done the next morning from being so sick. Don't ever take this drug, its simply not worth it!"

• Nettie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2021

"So I took the medication 7:30 this morning as I had a scheduled endometrial biopsy and IUD insertion at 10:40. I inserted 2 pills into my vagina and 10 minutes later I felt mild pressure. Within 30 minutes I had full blown horrific cramps. I developed gas and diarrhea. Longest car ride to the dr ever. I felt every bump. The pain continued to intensify even through both procedures and even after I took a muscle relaxer at 8:30. After the procedure I threw up 3 times. Cried all the way home and finally got relief 8-10 hours after first taking the medication with percocet. And from the violent diarrhea I now have a hemorrhoid. I have fibroids and suffer from heavy bleeding and cramping during my cycle. Hoping the iud will work. Be wary of what your guy tells you about this medication. My gut told me not to take it. I should have listened."

• DHano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2020

"I've had this twice, vaginally, 20 years apart. First time I was 19, and it was to soften my cervix before a termination of pregnancy. I remember having very painful cramps, like contractions. Then I had it again today (I'm now 40) to soften my cervix before an 'evacuation' surgery (suction), to remove everything after a missed miscarriage. They put 2 tablets high in my vagina and left them in for 5 hours by the time I got to theatre and I had some occasional short cramps, but they weren't bad at all and I was able to breathe through them and didn't need painkillers. So I've had two quite different experiences (in two quite different situations). Good luck, ladies x"

• gkk
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2019

"I used misoprostol vaginally prior to a uterine biopsy. I've never had children and the doctor warned me that my cervix was very "tight" and that he might not be able to insert the tool through my cervix. He said the misoprostol would help but he was still a little wary. I inserted this vaginally the night prior to the procedure. He was able to complete the procedure with no problem. He called it the "miracle pill" and said it had helped a lot."

• JuJu
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2020

"I was given misoprostol to widen my cervix for IUD insertion. Swallowed 4 in the morning with food 3 hours before my IUD insertion. My first IUD wasn’t in properly so it was removed. They wanted to complete this insertion guided by ultrasound while using this med. Mild cramping at first and no nausea. After the insertion I cramped quite a bit, but it never reached the discomfort my typical period cramps. It was odd that they would come in regular intervals much like contractions, but that happened after my last insertion too. The weirdest thing is that when I’d burp, it tasted really weird. Almost like chemical fertilizer, but luckily the taste didn’t linger. I had a little bit of diarrhea several hours later. I bled a bit, but I was unable to tell if it was cycle related, related to the IUD, or related to the meds. I didn’t read anything about it before hand and I’m glad I didn’t. I would have psyched myself out badly."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2021

"By far the worst experience of my life. Inserted 4 pills vaginally. About 15 min afterwards I already felt a little cramping. I thought ok, I guess this is what happens. Little did I know I was about to go through the most horrific pain ever. As the "cramping" intensified, I began to feel cold, I was shivering, teeth chattering and all underneath a blanket. This lasted about over an hour, meanwhile the cramps were becoming unbearable. I went to the bathroom, had streaming diarrhea and a while later began projectile vomiting, barely making it to the bathroom in time. The intensity of the cramping was so severe that I cried out for God, hoping this pain would lessen or end. But it didn't. I called the doctor and they said this happens sometimes and to take the pills out. Unfortunately I was only able to get two out while urinating. The horrific pain continued as I writhed in agony and torture. 4 days later and still battling severe body aches, weakness, pain on my side, targeted cramping, fevers"

• Meep
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2021

"Took misoprostol before an IUD insertion to soften my cervix since the first try didn't work. Was told that all my doctor's other patients had some nausea at worst and most felt nothing. I was instructed to take it buccally (dissolved in my cheek) a few hours before the procedure. I was in a college class at the time and had to run out to the restroom within 5 to 10 minutes of taking it. At first I was dizzy, then got every symptom on the bottle to the worst extreme. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and the absolute WORST cramps of my entire life. I literally writhed on the bathroom floor at college. This was literally the most painful experience of my entire life to the point where they listed it on my file as an allergy. I got my IUD inserted successfully afterwards and have had it for almost 5 years now."

• Kickit
• August 20, 2020

"Unfortunately, I was one of the people with extreme side effects. I do not usually experience much cramping or discomfort when I get my period, but I have had mild cramps before... The cramping I had with this pill was nearly unbearable. I inserted one pill vaginally just before bed, as I was instructed to do for my IUD insertion the next day. I woke up an hour after falling asleep with EXTREME abdominal pain, nausea, and chills so bad I ended up laying in bed with two fleece blankets, a sweater, and my regular comforter. I did bleed as well... Mildly at first, but then clotting, and then back to mild. It has now been approximately 12 hours and although I am still experiencing pain and cramping, it's much more akin to "regular" period cramps at this point. I was supposed to insert a second pill the morning of the procedure, but called my gyno and they advised me not to do so. This pill seems so incredibly unnecessary for an IUD insertion."

• CC012...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2023

"The reviews here are unsettling but after a horrific, barbaric, excruciating endometrial biopsy a couple of years ago, I was willing to take a chance. So glad I did - very minor reaction with a much less painful experience. I have not been pregnant before and am 52. No dilator needed. Here’s how I prepared: 1. Ask for a prescription for 1 or 2 Zofran or similar to stop vomiting just in case. 2. Clean the toilet. Just in case. 3. 1-2 hours before taking the misoprostol, take ibuprofen or whatever Dr. recommended. I took 800 mg and a leftover tramadol. I wanted the meds to get in my system in case I started vomiting. 4. Get your area comfy and ready for the worst. Trash can, towel, clear way to the toilet, etc. 5. Take the misoprostol. I was prescribed 2 and inserted them vaginally the night before. 6. After an hour, I felt mild cramping but that was it. Woke up and took more ibuprofen and a tramadol. An hour before the biopsy, took Valium the doctor prescribed."

• VHH
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2021

"I was prescribed this for an IUD insertion. I took the medication as directed the night before the procedure (inserting it). An hour later I was nauseous and had a stomach ache which lead to the entire night spent in the bathroom throwing up and with diarrhea. I also experienced extreme cramping, my husband was going to drive me to the hospital as the cramping was so bad. I didn't end up going as I was so nauseous and couldn't even get dressed. I had to reschedule my procedure to a later date. I have never been this sick in my whole life, I am a healthy 40 year old."

• Ann
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2020

"My gynecologist gave me 2 pills, 200mcg each. I took one the night before and then one 4 hours before my procedure. This was supposed to help to soften my cervix so they could do a biopsy, since the 1st attempt was not successful. I did have some cramps similar to menstrual cramps. Unfortunately, it did not work and she still was not able to get the sample she needed. My problem is now, I am a month and a half late for my period. I am 45 years old and could be perimenopausal. I have already ruled out that I'm not pregnant. I'm just wondering if the trauma from doing 2 unsuccessful biopsies caused something to happen...."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2022

"Reading the reviews, I was afraid to take this. I did not have side effects beyond menstrual cramp-type symptoms. On a scale from 1-10 with 10 being the worst cramps I've ever had, I would rate it as around a 7-8. It did keep me up at night before the procedure, but it was tolerable and not debilitating. I would think this medicine is "your mileage may vary" and if it helps the doctor avoid causing more pain during and after the procedure, why not try it?"

• SJ64
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2022

"Just prior to having my Hysterectomy resection of endometrial polyp (myosure) & mirena insertion under general anesthetic, my surgeon came back into the room and gave me 2 tablets to insert into my vagina saying they would help open my cervix. After approx 30 minutes I started having strong cramps similar to very bad periods pain. This was shortly followed with diarrhoea and sickness. Thank god the hand basin was next to the toilet so I could rest my head against it during the spontaneous diarrhoea and sickness. The cramping pain continued and I broke out in a cold sweat. After my 4th or 5 journey to the toilet I asked the nurse for some painkillers. I told her what was happening and she told me that this was not unusual after being given misoprostol suppositories. The surgeon had not mentioned any possible side affects to me. I ended up throwing up the paracetamol. Shortly after,I was taken down for surgery. I woke up in the same pain and my blood pressure was through the roof."

• Tina
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2021

"Took four, two each at two different times prior to evacuation of uterus for missed miscarriage. First lot came with mild cramps, that were managed from breathing exercises. Hour after taking second lot was a different story. Unbearable cramps, sweating, chills, loss of hearing, dizziness; then made worse from Buprenorphine given to me for pain. Dropped in blood pressure to 75/45 and it was all hands on deck for a bit. Procedure was carried out and feeling much better after, no cramps, normal bleeding. Anaesthetist said it was all from me undergoing “hyperventilation syndrome”. Yea, righto."

• Razen
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2021

"Given 4 pills to insert vaginally for a d and c. They could not perform the operation because I developed a fever from this medication. Had extreme chills and was shaking. Spent next 5 days in bed with abdominal pain and extreme and constant gas. Severe headache. Felt fluish. Continued to have abdominal pain, indigestion and extreme gas for 2 weeks. The next week sprained my back. May have been related to muscle weakness caused by drugs... who knows."

• Joano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2021

"I had to take this medication for a biopsy and ended up in the hospital. I woke up in the middle of the night vomiting. I couldn't stop vomiting. It was horrible. I started to have chills and sweats which is when I called the ambulance being that I live alone. I'm still a little off several days later. Now have to be tested for COVID because I'm wondering if I caught it when I went to the hospital. Horrible experience."

• Cytotec
• July 23, 2021

"My Dr. recommended this prior to an IUD insertion. Within 30 mins of vaginally inserting the 4 pills I was throwing up on the side of the freeway. I had cold sweats, non-stop vomiting, diarrhea AND THE WORST CRAMPING I’ve ever had in my life. I ended up at the ER to get pain medication and an IV as I quickly got dehydrated and couldn’t hold down any liquids. (Heads up - this medication is also used to terminate pregnancies, so the ER staff kept on asking me if I was trying to have an abortion"

• Anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2021

"I inserted two 200mg tablets vaginally 8 hrs before surgical hysteroscopy for an endometrial polyp. This turned into one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. Pain started abruptly within 45 minutes, and it was agony. I tried taking pain meds but vomited them up almost immediately and then vomited continuously for 4 hours (mostly dry heaving as I was empty). Badly dehydrated. Severe shivering/chills. When I arrived at the surgical center, I collapsed on the floor of the lobby. It took a LOT of preoperative medication to get my pain/symptoms under control enough to do the surgery, and they had to switch from sedation to general anesthesia. When I woke up the same terrible pain was still there and I was maxed on narcotics before I was stable enough for discharge. Now 12 hours later the pain is manageable but not gone, and I’m incapacitated by pain, meds, exhaustion. The good news is the surgery was a success (a previous attempt w/out failed and created a false passage)."

• Dsire
• November 9, 2021

"Horrible. Pain stated within minutes of taking it. Took at 10pm and was unable to sleep. Spend the night feeling sick tossing and turning. Upon arriving to my appointment after 2 attempts to do the procedure the doctor was unable to continue. My cervix was still tight despite the pain. Now I have been schedule for the procedure at a hospital. This was on Thursday night to Friday morning. It is now Monday and my body just feels off. My body aches, breast hurts, and horrible migraine. I just feel weird, as if my body was out through something. Not the best experience."

• Endom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2021

"I inserted 2 pills vaginally (400mg total) at midnight before removal of endometrial polyp the next morning. My gynecologist mentioned it was for softening my cervix to make the procedure easier on my body. About 1:20am I woke up from crying and a constant sharp pain (in my cervix). I've never been pregnant before, but I've experienced contractions 3x in my life to pass very large blood clots. This sharp pain was a whole new level - I barely managed to get off my bed to read the prescription notes. I was in so much pain I started hyperventilating, tingling all over my body, and having uncontrollable muscle spasms in my hands. My cousin who is a nurse took me to the ER. Ended up getting morphine which calmed down my pain, and I was able to return home til morning. I was also bleeding. My gynecologist in her 30+ years said she never had a patient have this side effect. So it's rare - she told me to never take it again. It's been 3 weeks now, and I'm still having sharp pains sometimes."

• Aano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2021

"Was prescribed 4 to insert 6 hours prior to biopsy. So. Much. Pain. Tried to get them out an hour later but left one in. By the time I got to the gyn, I was barely able to walk, shaking, nauseated, cramps worse than anything I've ever experienced, etc. Gyn still couldn't get through my cervix and prescribed a narcotic to address the pain bc it was that bad. Stay away if you're sensitive."

• Lulu
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2022

"Inserted tablets before bed to aid with cervix dilation for the insertion of IUD. Mild cramps throughout the night but then explosive diarrhea in the morning. Not pleasant! And the gynaecologist was questioning if I actually used the tablets because the cervix was barely dilated!"

• Aano
• April 16, 2021

"Painful! Inserted four pills, within half an hour, shaking, cramps, nauseated, gas etc Got all four out, partially dissolved and am still in pain two hours later. Will try to go to appointment but this was terrible. Seems some react fine while many others have terrible adverse reactions. Being in the latter camp, I strongly advise you to listen to your body as soon as you insert. I tried for an hour to tough it out. Now wish I had removed immediately."