Hydroxyprogesterone (By injection)

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

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

Brand Name(s):

Makena

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

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 if you have liver disease or a history of breast cancer or blood clots.

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 one of your muscles.
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.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, kidney problems, heart problems, or a history of seizures, depression or cancer.
This medicine may cause blood clots.

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
Depression
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
Numbness or weakness in one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
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

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017