Hemabate

Hemabate is a type of prostaglandin (a hormone-like substance that occurs naturally in the body). Prostaglandins help control body functions like blood pressure and muscle contractions.

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

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

Hemabate may also be used for reasons not listed in this medication guide.

You should not receive Hemabate if you have active pelvic inflammatory disease, a breathing disorder, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.

This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur.

You should not take Hemabate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• active pelvic inflammatory disease;
• a lung disorder or breathing problem;
• heart disease;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

To ensure Hemabate is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• high or low blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
• any scarring in your uterus;
• a history of asthma; or
• a history of heart, kidney, or liver disease.

It is not known if carboprost passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Hemabate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe pelvic pain, cramping, or vaginal bleeding;
• high fever;
• a light-headed feeling, as if you might faint;
• shortness of breath;
• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
• increased high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain).

Common side effects of Hemabate may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• mild fever, chills;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling feeling);
• cough, hiccups;
• headache; or
• mild pelvic pain or menstrual-type cramps.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

You may be given medication to prevent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while you are receiving Hemabate.

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, Hemabate may not produce a complete abortion and the procedure must be repeated.

Because you will receive Hemabate in a healthcare facility, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since this medication is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may interact with carboprost, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicines you begin or stop using.