Indications of HPC 250 mg/ml
Indicated for reducing the risk of preterm birth in women with a singleton pregnancy who have a history of singleton spontaneous preterm birth
Indicated for prevention of preterm labor in a singleton pregnancy for patients aged 16 years or older who have a history of spontaneous preterm birth
Theropeutic Class
Hormone preparations for other uses
Pharmacology
The mechanism by which progesterone prevents preterm birth is not well understood, but many pathways are likely involved.
Progesterone plays a vital role in regulation of the female reproductive system and is important for successful implantation of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy. It acts by binding to progesterone receptors in the uterus, ovaries, breasts and in the central nervous system. These receptors exist in 2 isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. Progesterone binding to these receptors ultimately leads to regulation of gene transcription.
This results in an anti-inflammatory effect which blunts the proinflammatory state that occurs with initiation of labor, and maintains uterine queiscence by stabilizing progesterone acting on the myometrium.
Dosage & Administration of HPC 250 mg/ml
Hydroxyprogesterone auto-injector: Administer subcutaneously using Hydroxyprogesterone auto-injector at a dose of 275 mg (1.1 mL) once weekly, in the back of either upper armHydroxyprogesterone (single- and multi-dose vials): Administer intramuscularly at a dose of 250 mg (1 mL) once weekly in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus Begin treatment between 16 weeks, 0 days and 20 weeks, 6 days of gestationContinue administration once weekly until week 37 (through 36 weeks, 6 days) of gestation or delivery, whichever occurs first
Dosage of HPC 250 mg/ml
Administer intramuscularly at a dose of 500 mg or 250 mg once weekly. Begin treatment between 16 weeks, 0 days and 20 weeks, 6 days of gestation. Continue administration once weekly until week 37 (through 36 weeks, 6 days) of gestation or delivery, whichever occurs first.Administration-
Clean the ampoule top with an alcohol swab before use.
Draw up 1 ml of drug into a 2 ml syringe.
After preparing the skin, inject in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus. The solution is viscous and oily. Slow injection (over one minute or longer) is recommended.
Applying pressure to the injection site may minimize bruising and swelling.
Interaction of HPC 250 mg/ml
No drug-drug interaction has been reported.
Contraindications
Current or history of thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders.
Known or suspected breast cancer, other hormone-sensitive cancer, or history of these conditions.
Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding unrelated to pregnancy.
Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy.
Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or active liver disease.
Uncontrolled hypertension.
Side Effects of HPC 250 mg/ml
Most Common: Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, pruritus, nodule), Hives, Itching, nausea, and diarrhea. Call your doctor if you get any of the symptoms below:
Blood clots Symptoms: Leg swelling, Redness in your leg, a spot on your leg that is warm to touch, Leg pain that worsens when you bend your foot.
Allergic reactions: Hives, Itching, Swelling of the face.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category B. Low levels of progestins are present in human milk with the use of progestin-containing products, including HPC 250 mg/ml. Published studies have reported no adverse effects of progestins on the breastfed child or on milk production.
Precautions & Warnings
Thromboembolic disorders: Discontinue if thrombosis or thromboembolism occurs. Allergic reactions: Consider discontinuing if allergic reactions occur.
Decreased glucose tolerance: Monitor pre-diabetic and diabetic women receiving HPC 250 mg/ml.
Fluid retention: Monitor women with conditions that may be affected by fluid retention, such as pre-eclampsia, epilepsy, cardiac or renal dysfunction.
Depression: Monitor women with a history of clinical depression; discontinue HPC 250 mg/ml if depression recurs.
Jaundice: Carefully monitor women who develop jaundice while receiving HPC 250 mg/ml and consider whether the benefit of use warrants continuation.
Hypertension: Carefully monitor women who develop hypertension while receiving HPC 250 mg/ml and consider whether the benefit of use warrants continuation.
Overdose Effects of HPC 250 mg/ml
No adverse events associated with overdosage has been reported.
Storage Conditions
Store at controlled room temperature between 15°C to 30°C. Protects from light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Use In Special Populations
Pediatric Use: Hydroxyprogesterone is not indicated for use in women under 16 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in patients less than 16 years of age have not been established. A small number of women under age 18 years were studied; safety and efficacy are expected to be the same in women aged 16 years and above as for users 18 years and olderHepatic Impairment: No studies have been conducted to examine the pharmacokinetics of Hydroxyprogesterone in patients with hepatic impairment. Hydroxyprogesterone is extensively metabolized and hepatic impairment may reduce the elimination of Hydroxyprogesterone .
Drug Classes
Hormone preparations for other uses
Mode Of Action
The mechanism by which progesterone prevents preterm birth is not well understood, but many pathways are likely involved. (1) Progesterone plays a vital role in regulation of the female reproductive system and is important for successful implantation of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy. It acts by binding to progesterone receptors in the uterus, ovaries, breasts and in the central nervous system. These receptors exist in 2 isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. Progesterone binding to these receptors ultimately leads to regulation of gene transcription. (2) This results in an anti-inflammatory effect which blunts the proinflammatory state that occurs with initiation of labor, and maintains uterine queiscence by stabilizing progesterone acting on the myometrium.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy: Category B. No adequate and well-controlled studies in women during first trimester of pregnancy. Teratogenic risks to infants following in utero exposure to the drug not demonstrated in a study of pregnant women receiving the drug during their second and third trimesters, as well as in a follow-up safety study of their infants. Not intended to stop active preterm labor; effect of drug for this use unknown.Lactation: Detectable amounts of progestins identified in the breast milk of women receiving progestins. No adverse effects of progestins on breastfeeding performance or on health, growth, or development of infants, Discontinue drug at 37 weeks of gestation or upon delivery.
Pediatric Uses
Pediatric Use: Not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients <16 years of age. Limited number of women<18 years of age studied; safety and efficacy expected to be the same in women >16 years of age compared with those > 18 years of age.Geriatric Use: Not evaluated in women >65 years of age. Not intended for use in postmenopausal women. Safety and efficacy not established in postmenopausal women. Hepatic Impairment: Contraindicated in patients with liver tumors (benign or malignant) or active liver disease. Effect of hepatic impairment on pharmacokinetics of the drug not evaluated.Renal Impairment: Effect of renal impairment on pharmacokinetics of the drug not evaluated.