Gemeprost Pessaries

How does it work?

Gemeprost belongs to a group of medicines called prostaglandin analogues. Specifically, it is an alprostadil prostaglandin analogue. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substance present in a wide variety of tissues and body fluids including the womb (uterus), brain, lungs, kidney and semen. They have many actions, for example contraction of muscles, opening up of blood vessels and causing inflammation. Alprostadil – one of the prostaglandins, is responsible for the softening and widening of the entrance to the uterus (cervix) and stimulation of the muscles of the uterus to contract during normal childbirth. Gemeprost has the same activity as alprostadil. It is used to enhance access through the cervix for surgical procedures of the womb in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is also used to terminate pregnancy in the second trimester for health reasons or due to death of the fetus by causing premature contraction of the muscles of the womb.

What is it used for?

Termination of non-viable pregnancy in the second trimester due to fetal death

Termination of pregnancy in the second trimester

Widening the cervix in first trimester of pregnancy in order to perform surgical procedures within the womb (uterus)

Warning!

For use only under specialist medical supervision

Once treatment with this medicine is started for the termination of pregnancy, it must be ensured that this is completed. If the full course fails to produce this effect, an alternative means must be used.

Use with caution in

Anaemia caused by a hereditary blood disorder where abnormal haemoglobin is produced (sickle cell anaemia)

Blood clotting disorders

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Decreased heart and vessel function (cardiovascular insufficiency)

Diabetes mellitus

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Epilepsy

Glaucoma

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage

Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)

Inflammation of the vagina that results from infection

Lung disease

Not to be used in

Allergic reaction to prostaglandins

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is used in the first trimester of pregnancy, however, in the second trimester it will cause termination of pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Breastfeeding - not applicable.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Diarrhoea

Muscle weakness

Chills

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Tearing of the uterus (uterine rupture)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Flushing

Difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea)

Chest pain

Vaginal bleeding

Backache

Pain from the uterus

Mild fever

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved