Pitocin

Pitocin is a hormone that helps start labor or make uterine contractions stronger, and it can also help control bleeding after childbirth.

Pitocin is also used to help stimulate uterine contractions in a woman who has an incomplete or threatened miscarriage.

Pitocin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines, have other medical conditions, or have allergies.

You should not be treated with Pitocin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a severe infection in your uterus;
• a difficult labor because you have a small pelvis;
• genital herpes;
• cervical cancer;
• surgery on your cervix or uterus (including a prior C-section);
• high blood pressure; or
• heart problems.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Pitocin.

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

Pitocin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• excessive bleeding long after childbirth;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears; or
• confusion, severe weakness, feeling unsteady.

Pitocin may cause serious or life-threatening side effects in the newborn baby, including:

• slow heartbeats or other abnormal heart rate;
• jaundice (a yellow appearance of the baby's skin);
• a seizure;
• eye problems; or
• problems with breathing, muscle tone, and other signs of health problems.

Talk with your doctor about the risks of using Pitocin. In most cases, the benefits of inducing labor with this medicine will outweigh the risks to the baby.

Common side effects of Pitocin may include:

• nausea, vomiting; or
• more intense or more frequent contractions (this is an expected effect of Pitocin).

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.

Pitocin is injected into a muscle, or given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your contractions and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving Pitocin. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

During labor, your baby's heart rate will also be watched with a fetal heart monitor to evaluate any effects of oxytocin on the baby.

Pitocin is used as needed and does not have a daily dose. Call your doctor if this medicine does not work.

Since Pitocin is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, you will be closely monitored to ensure you are getting the right dose.

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

Other drugs may impact Pitocin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.