hetastarch Health Article

Generic name(s):

hetastarch

Brand name(s):

Hespan, Hextend

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

You should not be given this medication if you are allergic to hetastarch, or if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, congestive heart failure, urination problems not caused by hypovolemia, or lactic acidosis.

Before you receive hetastarch, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or an electrolyte imbalance.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), steroid medications, digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin), or a diuretic (water pill).

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as chest pain, fast or slow heart rate, wheezing or gasping for breath, feeling like you might pass out, weak pulse, slow breathing (breathing may stop), pale skin, easy bruising, blood in your urine or stools, swelling in your hands or feet, unusual bleeding, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Rare but serious side effects may include unusual headache, vision or speech problems, mental changes, drooping eyelids, loss of feeling in your face, tremors, or trouble swallowing, or fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

What is hetastarch?

Hetastarch (hydroxyethyl) is a plasma volume expander derived from natural sources of starch. It works by restoring blood plasma lost through severe bleeding.

Severe blood loss can decrease oxygen levels, which can lead to organ failure, brain damage, coma, and possibly death. Plasma is needed to circulate red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout the body.

Hetastarch is used to treat hypovolemia (a decrease in the volume of circulating blood plasma), that can result from severe blood loss after surgery, injury, or other causes of bleeding.

Hetastarch also contains electrolytes (sodium, calcium potassium, magnesium) which are minerals essential for many functions in the body, including the brain and nervous system, heartbeat, and fluid balance.

Hetastarch may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive hetastarch?

You should not be given this medication if you are allergic to hetastarch, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

• congestive heart failure;

• urination problems not caused by hypovolemia; or

• lactic acidosis.

Before you receive hetastarch, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• heart disease;

• congestive heart failure;

• diabetes;

• high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), or any other electrolyte imbalance; or

• if you are allergic to corn.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive hetastarch.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether hetastarch passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is hetastarch given?

Hetastarch is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional will give you this medication.

To be sure hetastarch is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with hetastarch.