This isn't going to answer you question exactly, but I was given Cytotec vaginally as part of my iductions with my L&D. I didn't know they had a oral version of it. What they told me was that if cytotec works (vag) it would soften and start dilation of the cervix (which is really where they put it). Sorry I can't be of much more help than that, and I'm sorry for your loss.

I took it for my m/c. I had a fentanyl PCA pump to control pain. The pump was for me to push a button whenever I needed pain medicine and the pump would give it to me in my IV. I had to take one oral dose, and then the remaining 3 pills were inserted vaginally, 1 every 6-8 hours. I was in labor for 24 hours, however with the patient controlled pain pump I was able to deal with the pain. I felt some of the pain, equal to really bad menstral cramps and a lot of pressure, but I wasn't numb like if I'd had an epidural. Besides an epidural my Dr. said would slow things up. I felt my water break and every thing. It wasn't as nearly as much pain as I thought it was. The cytotec doesn't cause any pain. But once they placed the pill vaginally and gave me the one to take orally. I sat there in the delivery room holding the oral dose in my hand for about an hour looking at it and telling my husband that once I take this, that it was is it and I was scared as hell. I took the pill and nothing really happended until 6 hours later when they checked me and I'd started to dilate and they placed the 2nd dose vaginally. *****You always have the option to tell them to wait until your pain medication is in and working before they start the Cytotec****** I did and I think it helped with the pain, because I was able to keep ahead of the pain, instead of trying to beat the pain once it was bad. It's easier to stay ahead of it. I didn't have a bad experience with the drug. I was scared, because I never knew what labor was like, because Dot was my first baby; but it wasn't all the screaming like on tv. Heck, I sat up in bed and watched tv, got up to go to the bathroom with help (in early stages before my water broke), I socialized with my mom, mother in law, and husband, I also would take naps and had time to knit a small blanket for my baby. Every woman is different as to how long it will take for the Cytotec to work. So your experience may be a little different than mine, but it doesn't start labor as soon as they place the pill vaginally (it has to disolve), and you take the oral dose. It has to get into your system, which takes a little time. Hope this helps you. I'm here if you need me.

Thank you both. The prescription that I have is to insert 4 pills vaginally. My RE said that within 2-4 hours, it should start. I am to do this at home and just wait it out/let it happen.