Hemabate belongs to a group of drugs called prostaglandins. It works by contracting the uterus. This helps slow bleeding after delivery. It also can induce an abortion by causing the uterus to contract in a way similar to labor.
What Is Hemabate Used For?
Hemabate is an injectable medication used to treat postpartum hemorrhage when other treatment options have failed. Hemabate may also induce an abortion during weeks 13 through 20 of pregnancy.
Brand Name(s): Hemabate
Drug Availability: Prescription
Therapeutic Classification: Prostaglandin
Available Generically: Yes
Controlled Substance: No
Administration Route: Intramuscular
Active Ingredient: Carboprost tromethamine
Dosage Form(s): Injectable solution
Postpartum hemorrhage occurs when too much blood is lost after giving birth and is often caused by the uterus not contracting correctly after delivery. About 3–5% of people experience postpartum hemorrhage after childbirth.
Losing too much blood after delivery can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Recognizing and treating postpartum hemorrhage right away is essential to prevent complications. Signs of postpartum hemorrhage may include:
Excessive vaginal bleedingFast heartbeatLightheadedness or dizzinessNauseaTrouble breathingChest pain
Postpartum hemorrhage is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Hemabate is one medication option that healthcare providers may prescribe if other treatment options have failed.
How to Take Hemabate
Hemabate is injected intramuscularly (into a muscle). Your healthcare provider may administer additional doses depending on how your body responds.
Storage
Your healthcare provider will store and administer Hemabate.
What Are the Side Effects of Hemabate?
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.
Common Side Effects
You may experience side effects from Hemabate. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.
Common side effects include but may not be limited to:
DiarrheaNauseaVomitingFlushing Increased temperature
Severe Side Effects
Hemabate may cause serious side effects. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you develop any signs of a severe reaction. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Serious side effects and their symptoms include:
Allergic reactions, including a severe form called anaphylaxis. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. High blood pressure. Signs of high blood pressure include a terrible headache, dizziness, fainting, or changes in your vision.
Dosage: How Much Hemabate Should I Take?
Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage of Hemabate for you and will administer it in a healthcare setting.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your provider may send a report to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program online or by phone (800-332-1088).
Modifications
The following modifications (changes) should be kept in mind when using Hemabate:
Severe allergic reaction: Avoid using Hemabate if you have a known allergy to it or its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you’re unsure.
Pregnancy: Hemabate is used to end a pregnancy or to treat excessive bleeding after giving birth. Because Hemabate can induce an abortion, people wishing to continue their pregnancy should not use Hemabate.
Children: Hemabate is not approved to treat children (zero to 16 years).
Kidney or liver problems: Individuals with kidney or liver problems may not be able to clear medication from their bodies as easily. This means the medicine stays in the body longer and can have increased side effects. For this reason, if you have active kidney or liver problems, your healthcare provider will likely not prescribe Hemabate.
Missed Dose
Your healthcare provider will administer Hemabate in a healthcare setting. You will not continue Hemabate after returning home.
Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Hemabate?
There is limited information available about the effects of a Hemabate overdose.
However, if you think you’re experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Precautions
Your healthcare provider will administer Hemabate in a healthcare setting. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Hemabate, call 911 immediately.
What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Hemabate?
Do not take Hemabate if you:
Are allergic to Hemabate or any of its ingredients Have acute pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection involving the female reproductive organs) Are experiencing active heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems
What Other Medications Interact With Hemabate?
Use caution when taking Hemabate with the following medications:
Cervidil (dinoprostone) Pitocin (oxytocin)
Other medications may interact with Hemabate. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter, nonprescription products, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
What Medications Are Similar?
Hemabate belongs to a group of drugs called prostaglandins and works by contracting the uterus. Other prostaglandins that may be used to induce an abortion or treat excessive bleeding after giving birth (postpartum hemorrhage) include:
Cervidil (dinoprostone): abortion inductionCytotec (misoprostol): abortion induction and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
These medications differ based on their side effects and how they’re administered (e.g., vaginally, intramuscularly, rectally, sublingually (under the tongue)). Your healthcare provider will choose the best option for you, depending on your clinical situation and other medical conditions you may have.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Hemabate?
After receiving Hemabate, you’ll want to pay close attention to how your body responds. Be sure to contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following, which could be signs of a complication:
Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through one or two pads per hourSevere abdominal or pelvic pain that doesn’t get better after taking pain medicationShaking, chills, or a feverFoul-smelling or pus-like vaginal dischargeFast heartbeatLightheadedness or dizzinessNauseaTrouble breathingChest pain
