Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Duratocin (Ferring, PM 00055704)
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
DURATOCIN is used to prevent loss of muscle tone in the uterus (womb) and heavy bleeding in women who have delivered a baby by caesarean section.
What it does:
In some women, after a caesarean, the womb doesn’t contract (shrink) quickly enough. This makes it more likely that they’ll bleed more than normal. DURATOCIN makes the womb contract and so reduces the risk of bleeding.
When it should not be used:
DURATOCIN must not be given until after the baby has been delivered.
Before giving you DURATOCIN, your doctor needs to know about any medical conditions you may have. You should also tell your doctor about any new symptoms that develop while you are being treated with DURATOCIN.
DURATOCIN must not be used:
If you are pregnant.
- If you are allergic to carbetocin or any of the ingredients of DURATOCIN.
- If you have any serious heart problems.
If you ever have had an allergic reaction to oxytocin (sometimes
given as a drip or injection during or after labour).
In children younger than 18 years of age.
- In elderly patients over 65 years of age.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Carbetocin
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Glacial acetic acid, sodium chloride, water for injection
What dosage forms it comes in:
Solution for injection, 100 mcg/mL
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE you use DURATOCIN talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have/are:
- Liver or kidney problems
- Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy) or eclampsia (toxaemia of pregnancy).
- If you have problems with your heart or your circulation (such as high blood pressure).
- Epilepsy.
- If you get migraines.
- If you have asthma.
- If you are breastfeeding. DURATOCIN may pass into your breast milk.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your other medication, including the ones that you bought without prescription and natural health products.
The following may interact with DURATOCIN:
- Medicines that cause blood vessels to narrow
- Medicines that you breathe to put you to sleep for surgery, like halothane and cyclopropane
- Prostaglandins, which are medicines to induce labour
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual adult dose:
DURATOCIN is given as an intravenous injection immediately after your baby has been delivered by caesarean section under an epidural or spinal anaesthetic.
Overdose:
If you are accidentally given too much DURATOCIN, your womb may contract strongly and you could experience abdominal pain. You may also suffer drowsiness, listlessness and headache, caused by water building up in your body.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Like all medicines, DURATOCIN can have side effects, but not everybody gets them. If you experience any other side effects not listed in this leaflet talk to your doctor.
Side effects may include:
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Stomach pain.
- Itching, flushing.
- Feeling of warmth.
- Headache.
- Shakiness.
- Dizziness.
- Metallic taste in the mouth.
- Sweating, chills.
Duratocin (carbetocin injection) Page 28 of 28
- Back pain.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and seek immediate medical help | ||
| Only if severe | In all cases | |||
Very Common | Low blood pressure: dizziness, fainting, light-headedness May occur when you go from lying or sitting to standing up. | √ | ||
| Common | Anemia: fatigue, loss of energy, weakness. Chest pain Rapid heart beat Breathlessness; trouble breathing Anxiety | √ √ | √ √ √ | |
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking DURATOCIN, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at refrigerated temperature 2 – 8°C. Do not freeze.
Once ampoule has been opened, product must be used immediately.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
You can help improve the safe use of health products for Canadians by reporting serious and unexpected side effects to Health Canada. Your report may help to identify new side effects and change the product safety information. 3 ways to report:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
MORE INFORMATION
If you want more information about DURATOCIN:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (www.healthcanada.gc.ca); or by calling Ferring Pharmaceuticals at 1-866-384-1314.