Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate

Hydroxyprogesterone is a progestin indicated to reduce the risk of preterm birth in women with a singleton pregnancy who have a history of singleton spontaneous preterm birth. The effectiveness of Makena is based on improvement in the proportion of women who delivered <37 weeks of gestation. There are no controlled trials demonstrating a direct clinical benefit, such as improvement in neonatal mortality and morbidity.

The mechanism by which progesterone prevents preterm birth is not well understood, but many pathways are likely involved.

• Progesterone plays a vital role in regulation of the female reproductive system and is important for successful implantation of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy. It acts by binding to progesterone receptors in the uterus, ovaries, breasts and in the central nervous system. These receptors exist in 2 isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. Progesterone binding to these receptors ultimately leads to regulation of gene transcription.
• This results in an anti-inflammatory effect which blunts the proinflammatory state that occurs with initiation of labor, and maintains uterine queiscence by stabilizing progesterone acting on the myometrium. 

Hydroxyprogesterone auto-injector: Administer subcutaneously using Hydroxyprogesterone auto-injector at a dose of 275 mg (1.1 mL) once weekly, in the back of either upper arm

Hydroxyprogesterone (single- and multi-dose vials): Administer intramuscularly at a dose of 250 mg (1 mL) once weekly in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus 

Begin treatment between 16 weeks, 0 days and 20 weeks, 6 days of gestation

Continue administration once weekly until week 37 (through 36 weeks, 6 days) of gestation or delivery, whichever occurs first

No drug-drug interaction has been reported.

• Current or history of thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders.
• Known or suspected breast cancer, other hormone-sensitive cancer, or history of these conditions.
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding unrelated to pregnancy.
• Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy.
• Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or active liver disease, Uncontrolled hypertension

Most Common: Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, pruritus, nodule), Hives, Itching, nausea, and diarrhea.

Call your doctor if you get any of the symptoms bellow:

• Blood clots Symptoms: Leg swelling, Redness in your leg, a spot on your leg that is warm to touch, Leg pain that worsens when you bend your foot.
• Allergic reactions: Hives, Itching, Swelling of the face

Pregnancy category B. Low levels of progestins are present in human milk with the use of progestin-containing products, including hydroxyprogesterone caproate. Published studies have reported no adverse effects of progestins on the breastfed child or on milk production.

No adverse events associated with over dosage has been reported.

Store at 20° to 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect auto-injector from light.

Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate (250 mg/ml, 500mg/ml)