Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate
Indications
Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate is a man-made form of progesterone, the hormone that supports pregnancy. It is used in selected women to help maintain a pregnancy, for example when there is a history of preterm birth (baby born too early) or threatened or repeated miscarriage. Doctors may also use it for some menstrual and womb lining disorders. Its benefit in preventing preterm birth has been questioned in recent studies, so your doctor will decide whether it is right for you.
How It Works
It acts like natural progesterone. It helps keep the womb lining stable and the womb muscle relaxed, which may reduce early contractions. It is released slowly from the injection site, so it works for several days after each dose.
Dosage and Administration
This medicine is an oily injection given into a muscle by a doctor or nurse. The dose, how often it is given and how long treatment continues are decided by the doctor, as prescribed. Do not inject it yourself unless you have been trained and told to do so.
Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. Medicines that speed up liver enzymes, such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin, may reduce its effect. It may change blood sugar control, so people on Insulin or diabetes tablets may need closer checks.
Contraindications
- Allergy to hydroxyprogesterone or to castor oil or other ingredients
- Current or past blood clots or stroke
- Known or suspected breast cancer or other hormone sensitive cancer
- Serious liver disease or liver tumour
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding not checked by a doctor
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Side Effects
Common effects include pain, swelling, itching or a lump where the injection was given, nausea, and itching of the skin. Some women notice mood changes, headache or tiredness. Blood sugar may rise slightly.
Get urgent medical help if you have signs of a blood clot (painful swollen leg, chest pain, sudden breathlessness), a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, trouble breathing), yellow skin or eyes, or heavy bleeding or fluid loss from the vagina.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It is used during pregnancy only under specialist care and at the stage the doctor decides. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Use with care in diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, epilepsy, migraine, asthma and depression, because fluid retention or blood sugar changes may make these worse. Keep all antenatal appointments.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely because it is given by health staff. Too much may cause nausea or tiredness. Treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Progestogen (female sex hormone)
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light, out of the reach of children, or as directed on the pack. Do not freeze.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate