Carboprost is a form of prostaglandin (a hormone-like substance that occurs naturally in the
body). Prostaglandins help to control functions in the body such as blood pressure and muscle
contractions.
Carboprost is used to treat severe bleeding after childbirth (postpartum).
Carboprost is also used to produce an abortion by causing uterine contractions. It is usually
given between the 13th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, but may be given at other times for medical
reasons. Carboprost is often used when another method of abortion has not completely emptied the
uterus, or when a complication of pregnancy would cause the baby to be born too early to survive.
Carboprost may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carboprost?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to carboprost, or have certain
conditions. Tell your doctor if you have:
pelvic inflammatory disease;
a lung disorder or breathing problem;
heart disease;
kidney disease; or
liver disease.
Before receiving carboprost, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs,
or if you have:
high or low blood pressure;
diabetes;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
any scarring in your uterus;
a history of asthma; or
a history of heart, kidney, or liver disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive
carboprost, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
If you are receiving this medication for purposes other than abortion or postpartum
bleeding, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
How should I take carboprost?
Carboprost is given as an injection into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a clinic or
hospital setting.
You may also be given medication to control nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea caused by
carboprost.
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, carboprost may not produce a complete abortion and the procedure must
be repeated.
What happens if I miss a dose of carboprost?
Since this medication is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will
miss a dose.
Where can I get more information about carboprost?
Your pharmacist has information about carboprost written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of carboprost?
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.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
severe pelvic pain, cramping, or vaginal bleeding;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about carboprost?
Carboprost usually causes nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. You may be given to control
these things before you are given carboprost.
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to carboprost, or have certain
conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, a breathing disorder, heart disease, liver disease, or
kidney disease.
Serious side effects of carboprost may include severe pelvic cramping, vaginal bleeding,
high fever, and severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Before you receive carboprost, tell your doctor if you have been treated with any other drugs
that may cause contractions of the uterus. Carboprost can increase the effects of these other drugs,
and they should not be used together.
Your cervix (opening of the uterus) will need to be checked after you receive carboprost. Do
not miss any scheduled follow-up visits to your doctor.
In some cases, carboprost may not produce a complete abortion and the procedure must
be repeated.
What should I avoid while taking carboprost?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you
receive carboprost.
What other drugs will affect carboprost?
Before you receive carboprost, tell your doctor if you have been treated with any other drugs
that may cause contractions of the uterus, such as:
dinoprostone (Prostin E2);
mifepristone (Mifeprex (RU-486)
misoprostol (Cytotec); or
oxytocin (Pitocin).
Carboprost can increase the effects of these other drugs, and they should
not be used together.
This list it not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect carboprost. Tell your
doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your
doctor.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009