Hydroxyprogesterone (By injection)

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Brand Name(s)

Makena

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or under your skin.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
This medicine is usually given every 7 days. You will begin receiving this medicine between weeks 16 and 20 of your pregnancy.
You will continue to receive this medicine once a week until week 37 of your pregnancy or until you give birth.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose:This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Hydroxyprogesterone (hye-drox-ee-proe-JES-ter-one)

Lowers the risk of delivering your baby too early (preterm birth).

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Changes in mood or behavior
Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Numbness or weakness in one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Pain in your lower leg (calf)
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankle, or feet
Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Pain, itching, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, heart problems, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, epilepsy, or a history of seizures or depression.
This medicine may cause blood clots and high blood pressure.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to hydroxyprogesterone or castor oil, or if you have active liver disease or liver cancer, high blood pressure that is not controlled, unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) caused by pregnancy, or a history of breast cancer or blood clots.

Review Date: 7/4/2018
Reviewed By:

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