Controversial Drug For Pregnancy Complications
The drug misoprostol, which is sold under the name Cytotec in the US, may offer an easy and cost-effective solution to reduce deaths in developing countries from pregnancy complications. The drug is controversial because it is commonly used to terminate pregnancy, but it can also save women's lives by stopping severe postpartum hemorrhaging.
An estimated 1,000 women die each day in developing countries from complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and a quarter of these deaths are due to postpartum hemorrhaging. The drug is administered in tablet form so it does not require refrigeration. This is especially important in rural areas, which often lack any health facilities. Women who are hemorrhaging post-delivery often die before they can get to a clinic for help. The WHO has not formally approved misoprostol for treating this complication, but that hasn't stopped doctors from using it to treat patients in developing countries.