Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a synthetic female hormone.
This medicine is used in women who are pregnant with one baby and have delivered a baby too early (premature) in the past. It is used to help lower the risk of having another premature delivery.
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscles, usually in the upper outer area of the buttocks).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the number of weeks of your pregnancy.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Hydroxyprogesterone caproate.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- known or a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
- with or a history of blood clots or blood clotting problems
- abnormal vaginal bleeding that is not related to your current pregnancy
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- yellowing of the skin or eyes caused by liver problems during your pregnancy
- liver disease including liver tumours
as Hydroxyprogesterone caproate may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes or pre-diabetes (a condition in which the blood sugar levels are higher than usual but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes)
- heart problems
- high blood pressure during your pregnancy
- migraine headache
- history of depression
- asthma
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- kidney disease
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is not intended for use to stop active premature labour.
Different brands of this medicine may be indicated for different conditions. Your doctor may inform you on what product will be used during your treatment.
If you are going to have a laboratory test (e.g. liver or thyroid function test), inform your doctor that you are being treated with this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of depression, water retention, liver and blood clotting problems may also be needed.
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, and pain, swelling, hard bump, or itching at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or throat
- blurred vision, dry mouth, passing urine more often, feeling very thirsty or hungry
- feeling depressed
- pain, swelling, and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep Hydroxyprogesterone caproate vials stored upright.
Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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