Have you ever read the package insert for Pitocin?
It’s a fascinating read. Did you know that the manufacturer of Pitocin,
JHP Pharmaceuticals, actually wrote a really sensible list of
recommendations and warnings for the use of this drug?
(major trigger warning on this one)
Given the current nationwide epidemic of Pitocin abuse, I started
reading this document with my hackles up, expecting to be annoyed - but
it wasn’t long before I became surprised by what I was reading. JHP
Pharmaceuticals didn’t create this drug to hurry up the labor experience
for normal, healthy women. In fact, the package insert warns against
the use of Pitocin induction when it’s not medically indicated. The
Indications and Usage section opens with a framed important notice that
reads “Elective induction of labor is defined as the initiation of labor
in a pregnant individual who has no medical indications for induction.
Since the available data are inadequate to evaluate the
benefits-to-risks considerations, Pitocin is not indicated for elective induction of labor.”
There you have it, straight from the manufacturer. Pitocin isn’t even
meant to be used for induction when there’s not a medical need for it.
According to these instructions, there are specific situations which
warrant the use of Pitocin. Maternal diabetes, Rh problems, preeclampsia
at or near term, certain cases of uterine inertia (ineffective
contractions during true labor), or situations where the water has
already broken are listed as examples when Pitocin may be used
appropriately.
Here is that list
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