October 19, 2017.
Cytotec, used to artificially induce term delivery or for medicated abortions, will be withdrawn from the market. It is indeed suspected of causing serious complications.
Risks of poor oxygenation of the fetus
Cytotec was originally prescribed for stomach ulcers. Doctors subsequently diverted its use to induce term deliveries. But this use for childbirth has proven to be risky for the health of mother and child (it can cause too strong contractions and poor oxygenation of the fetus), it will therefore be withdrawn from the French market from March 2018.
” The Pfizer France laboratory has informed us of its decision to withdraw from the French market its product Cytotec, widely used in gynecology without Marketing Authorization (outside the indications for which it is intended) which will be effective on March 1, 2018 », Indicated Dr Christelle Ratignier-Carbonneil, Deputy Director General of ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products).
A dangerous product for mother and child
Cytotec has been used since 1987, and since then it has been used very little in gastroenterology. It is normally taken by mouth but it is when it is taken vaginally that it can cause unwanted effects. Despite the warnings from the ANSM, some hospitals continue to use this drug because it is very inexpensive (30 cents per tablet), but for the Timéo association, its use in gynecology should have been banned for years.
Timéo is the first name of the child of Aurélie Joux, the founder of the association. Timéo was born under overdosed Cytotec, in 2010, he is now severely disabled.. The drug also had disastrous effects on the mother: Aurélie Joux will no longer be able to have children. In 2016, she won her trial at first instance, against the Poissy hospital for the damage suffered by her son. She is fighting today to have her voice heard tonight.
Marine Rondot
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