carboprost Health Article

Generic name(s):

carboprost

Brand name(s):

Hemabate

What is the most important information I should know about carboprost?

Carboprost usually causes nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. You may be given to control these things before you are given carboprost.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to carboprost, or have certain conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, a breathing disorder, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease. Serious side effects of carboprost may include severe pelvic cramping, vaginal bleeding, high fever, and severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Before you receive carboprost, tell your doctor if you have been treated with any other drugs that may cause contractions of the uterus. Carboprost can increase the effects of these other drugs, and they should not be used together.

Your cervix (opening of the uterus) will need to be checked after you receive carboprost. Do not miss any scheduled follow-up visits to your doctor.

In some cases, carboprost may not produce a complete abortion and the procedure must be repeated.

What is carboprost?

Carboprost is a form of prostaglandin (a hormone-like substance that occurs naturally in the body). Prostaglandins help to control functions in the body such as blood pressure and muscle contractions.

Carboprost is used to treat severe bleeding after childbirth (postpartum).

Carboprost is also used to produce an abortion by causing uterine contractions. It is usually given between the 13th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, but may be given at other times for medical reasons. Carboprost is often used when another method of abortion has not completely emptied the uterus, or when a complication of pregnancy would cause the baby to be born too early to survive.

Carboprost may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving carboprost?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to carboprost, or have certain conditions. Tell your doctor if you have:

• pelvic inflammatory disease;

• a lung disorder or breathing problem;

• heart disease;

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

Before receiving carboprost, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• high or low blood pressure;

• diabetes;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• any scarring in your uterus;

• a history of asthma; or

• a history of heart, kidney, or liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive carboprost, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

If you are receiving this medication for purposes other than abortion or postpartum bleeding, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

How is carboprost given?

Carboprost is given as an injection into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

You may also be given medication to control nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea caused by carboprost.

To be sure this medication has been effective, your cervix (opening of the uterus) will need to be checked after the procedure. Do not miss any scheduled follow-up visits to your doctor.

In some cases, carboprost may not produce a complete abortion and the procedure must be repeated.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medication is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of this medicine. An overdose of carboprost is unlikely to occur in a hospital or clinic setting.

What should I avoid while receiving carboprost?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you receive carboprost.