Misoprostol for missed miscarriage - how long does it take to work?

[Anonymous]

Had a missed miscarriage and took misoprostol about 8 hours ago. I'm having on-and-off cramps that go between nothing, manageable, and really bad, but very little bleeding. How long does it take to work?

[Anonymous]

Depends on the woman, really. My experience was that about 8 hours after I took it, I had a LOT of bleeding, labor-like contractions, passed a huge clot. The next couple days, had some bleeding, felt a little crampy, otherwise OK. Then, three days after taking the meds, I had another round of really intense contractions and only then did I pass the fetal tissue. I don't think that's the norm, but I have heard of women needing multiple rounds of the meds in some cases. Hope that isn't the case for you.

Very sorry for your loss and good luck riding this out. It's terrible to have to do. Thinking of you and sending a big virtual hug.

[Anonymous]

When I took it, it was the worst 8 hours of my life. Tons of blood and vomiting. I probably should have gone to the hospital. But no more tissue after that.

[Anonymous]

It never worked for me. Had to have D&C both times. Have you called your doctor about the pain? They should give you something for that.

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss. Take care OP.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone. They gave me Tylenol with Codeine for the pain. This morning, still nothing, and the cramps are just about gone. I'm supposed to wait and take another dose of the medicine tomorrow if it this dose doesn't work, but I can't just sit around waiting forever, especially if it's not going to work. I'm miserable and I don't know what to do.

[Anonymous]

Oh, OP, I'm so sorry. What a nightmare. I wish I knew how to advise you -- am hoping others can.

If you are feeling like this is just untenable, you might want to begin to consider a D&C, if it would be possible to have one sooner (like, today) rather than later -- though I know it is more invasive, at least once it's done, it's done. Having experienced both misoprostol and a D&C for lost pregnancies, I can tell you that for me at least, the D&C was surprisingly easier. And given how hard the medical option has turned out to be for you, it might at least be something to give thought to (and talk to your doc about) today. You may still choose to just ride it out with meds, but at least you would know what your options were.

Many caring thoughts with you.

[Anonymous]

Big hugs OP --- I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I'm hoping for you that it's over soon.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry that you are going through this. Call your doctor, who is the best person to advise you on this. It may be that you need a D&C.
FWIW, when I used the drug for a missed miscarriage, it took 5 hours to start working - may have been the longest five hours of my life! I then proceeded to have heavy bleeding and cramps for the next 10 hours, and then a period-like bleed for the next 5 days. Be prepared for really heavy bleeding when you are passing the tissue though. My doctor warned me about it, and I'm not squeamish by nature, but it was still shocking.

[Anonymous]

OP again. Thanks so much for the comments. I ended up calling this morning and they let me take the second dose of the medicine today. It's not working today either, except for bad cramps. I'm scheduled for a D&C tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

09:06 here, OP -- so sorry you have to do this, but I'm glad that at least you have a course of action so that if nothing happens with the meds by tomorrow, you'll at least have some closure to this part of the process.

What I recall of waking up from my D&C was an enormous sense of relief and comfort that this nightmarish part of the miscarriage was over -- and gratitude for the anesthesia that meant I didn't have to experience the D&C consciously.

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, and am sending all good wishes for your recovery and for a happier outcome in the future.

[Anonymous]

i used 800 mg before 12 hrs but i got only 2 sporting only why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i used 800 mg before 12 hrs but i got only 2 sporting only why?

Sorry I don't understand. There must be a typo in there. What is sporting?

[Anonymous]

OP - just went through this - nothing was happening except spotting, and I ended up having a D+C. The procedure was not bad at all. But I will only feel better when my period comes, and things are normal again, and we hopefully have luck TTC......

[Anonymous]

It was horrible for me. Awfulcramping and.passed alot of huge clots. Was unprepared. Took it orally and vaginally and still needed a d&c. Goid luck to you op