Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate, Injection hy-DROKS-ee-proh-JES-te-rone KAP-roh-ayt

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: hormone

Generic and brand names: Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate, injection; Makena

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine given by injection (shot) to reduce the risk of preterm birth in women who have delivered a baby too early in the past.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine or to castor oil
• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder
• asthma
• blood clots in your legs, lungs, brain, or eyes
• breast cancer, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer
• depression
• diabetes
• heart disease or stroke
• high blood pressure
• liver or kidney problems
• migraine headaches
• seizures
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• yellowing of your skin (jaundice) due to liver problems during a pregnancy

How do I use it?

These shots are given by a healthcare provider. These shots are given once per week between week 16 and week 37 of your pregnancy or until your baby is born. Keep all your appointments for shots. It is very important that you do not miss a dose.

What if I miss a dose?

It is very important that you do not miss a dose and that you receive this medicine once a week. If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider right away.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may increase the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, or high blood pressure during pregnancy. Talk with your provider about this.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg; sudden change in your vision; severe headaches; new or worsening depression; swelling, warmth, redness, or pain in your legs; chest pain or trouble breathing; yellowish skin or eyes; severe stomach pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; dark urine; pale stools; slurred speech; trouble walking; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; injection site oozing blood or fluid.

Other: Nausea; diarrhea; itching, pain, swelling, itching, bruising, or a hard bump at the injection site.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol) or acetaminophen-containing medicines
• antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and fluvoxamine (Luvox CR)
• antipsychotic medicines such as clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pimozide (Orap), thiothixene (Navane), and trifluoperazine
• bronchodilators such as aminophylline and theophylline
• efavirenz (Sustiva)
• methadone (Dolophine)
• muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and tizanidine (Zanaflex)
• nicotine
• ropinirole (Requip)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.