Hydroxyprogesterone caproate

USES:

Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a synthetic progestin-like female hormone. This medication is given to pregnant women who have previously had a premature baby in order to reduce the risk of having another premature baby (preterm birth, <37 weeks of pregnancy). It is used by women who are expecting a single child.

This medication is safe to use during pregnancy.

IUPAC name: [(8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,17R)-17-acetyl-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl] hexanoate

Drug class: Progestins

Route of administration: Intramuscular injection

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? YES

Side effects

Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, swelling/pain/redness at the site of injection.

Serious side effects may include depressed mood, dark urine, vomiting, nausea, unusual vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, yellowing skin/eyes.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, the following precautions should be taken: Inform your doctor.

• If you are allergic to it or if you have other allergies.
• If you have a medical history of blood clots, breast cancer, hypertension, asthma, kidney/liver disease, fits, unusual vaginal bleeding, jaundice, diabetes,
• If you are taking other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed or herbal products).