Makena for Premature Labor User Reviews (Page 2)

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2019

"I started my injections at 19/20 weeks, and I got my last shot last week @ 35w6d. I rotated arms each week. At first, they were making my arms feel heavy and itchy, but I think my arms got used to it because they eventually stopped. But I became really emotional taking the shots. Also, I’ve had shooting pains in my vagina almost daily, and I’ve looked it up, totally not related to the injections, but I was hoping at my 36w6d check-up I’d be more than 1cm dilated... nope, I’m not. And today, I’m 37w1d and impatiently waiting to meet this little guy."

• Hat...
• July 14, 2016

"I work at an OB/GYN office and take care of all the Makena referrals! This company is so slow! The FDA really screwed up when they took compounded 17OHP off the market! It takes at least 6 weeks from start to finish to complete this process. Multiple phone calls to Makena, Specialty Pharm, the patient's insurance, and the patient take place during this time along with multiple faxes and notes in the chart. It's to the point where our office needs to hire someone to just do this all day. Makena needs to be started at 16 weeks, but it is well after 22 weeks before our patients are getting injections. By this time, most of our patients have already delivered their previous babies, which was not a good outcome."

• Cel...
• June 8, 2016

"Well, my 1st pregnancy, I went into preterm labor at 31 weeks. I had my baby at 32 weeks. I had a placenta abruption. I'm pregnant again, been taking the shots since 16 weeks, and I'm 35 weeks today with one more shot to go. Makena has helped me. I never had contractions. And guess what? I'm still not dilated. So glad I won't have another baby fighting for their life."

• Vue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2016

"I was told that many women have taken this and it works. It was my first time trying it at 18 weeks. My OB told me it helps to make you stay pregnant longer. I took it Monday. The following Monday came, I ended up in the hospital with a ruptured membrane. I lost my baby Tuesday. There really isn't any data backing it up, but please make sure you check your cervix before taking the shot. It's sad to say, but it was my only one shot. I regret it."

• Reg...
• August 24, 2015

"I started Makena at week 16 after my doctor recommended it due to my history of preterm labor at 33 and 35 weeks, where my water would break for unknown reasons. I am a healthy woman, I do not drink or smoke. I took this injection for 19 weeks and experienced headaches and pain/bruising/itching at the injection site. I made it to 34 weeks, and my water broke in the morning while I was getting ready for work. 19 weeks of dealing with this pain, and not to mention the hefty price tag, and my baby is still in the NICU. Makena did not work for me!!"

• Thi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

"Was reading the other comments about the SQ injection (back of arm), and I know everyone is saying how horrible it is. But for me, it's NOT that bad, certainly, I am not worried by it. The medication is thick, so yes, it KINDA burns and stings sort of for a few days, but that's it for me."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 22, 2019

"I had my first daughter at 35 weeks, and she had to stay in the NICU for 3 weeks. My doctor suggested Makena shots for my current pregnancy. I started them at 16 weeks, and I will continue to get them until I'm 36 weeks. I'm currently 33 weeks! I receive the shot in the back of my upper arm. It itches, stings, and causes lumps, but all of that is bearable. It isn't bad at all. My cervix has remained long and closed, and I haven't had any issues so far!"

• Mah...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2016

"I went into labor at 24 weeks with my first child, and she was born at 27 weeks. I started taking Makena when I was 16 weeks pregnant with my second child. My last injection was at 36 weeks, and I thought for sure he would be born soon after because of my history. He was 3 days overdue and probably would have stayed put a few days longer if my doctor hadn't broken my water. I'm currently taking Makena again for my third child and am 31 weeks. Braxton Hicks seem intense this time around, but I'm still confident I've got some time left... and we've already made it a month longer than my first :)"

• Bba...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 21, 2019

"Last year, I had a stillborn when I was close to 6 months due to stress. This time, my doctors advised the Makena shot to keep me from having preterm labor. On top of everything else, I was taking all precautions to have a safe pregnancy. Now I'm 34 weeks and 3 days, the Makena has been helping tremendously. I receive my shots in the back of my arms, when it's injected, it does feel like alcohol on an open wound. In the beginning, the shots did itch and swell a lot, but the trick is if you don't scratch, it will go away. As you get further in, the itchiness is a lot tougher to deal with, but I apply Aveeno anti-itch cream to the back of my arms after I bathe, and I honestly don't feel the itching anymore."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2019

"My doctor recommended Makena at the beginning of my pregnancy since I had my last baby at 35 weeks. He asked me to do my research on it and then decide. I did go and research, but everything I would read was that they were not sure if the shot made a difference or not, basically not guaranteed, and the shot was very pricey. I opted for no shot, and now I am 34 weeks and thankfully no signs of labor yet. I honestly feel like my last baby came because she was ready, or my body just could not take her. She was 6 lbs 15 oz and ready to go home, which was another reason why I decided for no shot. I am waiting to see my baby, one more week and I can have the peace of mind that baby will be ready to make her appearance!!!"

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2019

"My first I had at 29 weeks, so my last 2 I was on this. That's when they would give a shot in the butt. No problems. Now for this one, I'm getting the injections in my arm. Omg. It hurt and burned for days, then itched. A week later and I still have a red round bump. They worked, though, for me. Once I stop at 36 weeks, I'd go into labor 2-3 days after."

• JBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2019

"My doctor recommended we take this medication due to a history of preterm labor with our son. I had him at 35 weeks. After significant research, I found that there are some new studies that have indicated this medication does not work to prevent preterm labor. Do a computer search for this study, '17-alpha Hydroxyprogesterone caproate did not reduce the rate of recurrent preterm birth in a prospective cohort study.' It also talks about the price concerns, this is a quote out of the article: 'Once a confirmatory study was underway and 10% of the total sample size had been recruited from U.S. sites, the FDA gave temporary approval to KV Pharmaceutical on 11 February 2011 to market 17-OHPC under the brand name Makena®. This approval was granted under the agency’s accelerated approval regulations. On 15 February 2011, KV Pharmaceutical announced the price of Makena® to be $1500 per injection.' Where 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate = 17-OHPC."

• Moe...
• October 19, 2019

"I've been taking the Makena shot for about 6 or 7 weeks now. At first, I couldn't breathe the first week of getting it, I had shortness of breath. Then, in the spot where the doc injected me, it itched like crazy, and I had a lump. Now my hip is so sore I can barely lift my leg or walk to the bathroom. I don't see why I'm getting the shot. I had my 1st child at 36 weeks and my 2nd at 37 weeks. You would think they would've given me the shot when I was pregnant the 2nd time around. I really don't recommend this shot to anyone."

• Mon...
• June 24, 2018

"My first child was born at 25 weeks, 4 days due to premature labor. The doctors didn't know how to stop my contractions and didn't believe me that my contractions were getting worse until they checked my cervix. I had to have an emergency c-section moments later, and my daughter was immediately life-flighted to another hospital that had a NICU. She spent 96 days in the hospital. This was in April 2015. I am now pregnant with my second child and see a new OB/GYN who recommended these injections. I started them at 16 weeks and am now 30 weeks, 3 days and only have 5 more shots to go. Besides some injection site itchiness and a lump (similar to a mosquito bite), I would recommend this shot to anyone who has gone through premature labor. I cannot wait to see what this shot has in store for me over these next few weeks."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2018

"Currently 35 weeks pregnant with my third child and just stopped receiving the injections. My second daughter was born at 33 weeks due to spontaneous premature rupture of membranes. I would say these shots have been effective. My side effects were present for the first 10 weeks or so, they included: pain and swelling, bruising, itchiness, headaches, and lightheadedness. My husband is active duty, and we have Tricare. Each time I called to refill a prescription, I was quoted $0 and told the medication was 100% covered by the pharmacy. Now that I am finished with the injections, the pharmacy is saying I owe thousands, and there is a pending investigation to see if I will be responsible for payment or not. Either way, I'm glad I did these injections because no price is worth risking your child's health. So overall, this was a great and effective medicine with mild side effects, but if you go through Accredo Pharmacy, you will likely be scammed."

• ASa...
• August 19, 2020

"The cost is outrageous. I have paid so much for this drug, and it used to be available for way cheaper. I don't know how drug companies are able to keep doing this to people. It's also very hard to navigate insurance with some of the specialty pharmacies. I have spent many afternoons on the phone trying to sort it all out. Besides all of that, I dealt with burning, lumping, and a rash at the injection site for 14 weeks. I decided to stop after 31 weeks because I was becoming very depressed and dealing with a lot of anxiety. I was also admitted for preterm labor at 28 weeks and have had to be on Procardia. I have had daily contractions since 22 weeks, and I do believe the Makena has helped my cervix ripen slower. I just can't do it anymore. I even have scarring from the rashes. The shot takes up to 17 days to wear off (depending on the source), so I will be good through 33 weeks, and my baby has already had steroid shots. I would not do these again. I would rather do vaginal suppositories."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2017

"My oldest was born at 24 weeks due to unexplained preterm labor. We spent 112 days in the NICU with him, and he is wonderfully thriving now. When discussing a sibling, we reviewed all the risks with our doctor. She recommended Makena. We were lucky to have my insurance approve the cost without a fight. Guess they weighed the cost of a lengthy NICU stay against the cost of the shots. We started Makena at 16 weeks and continued them to 36 weeks. The shots themselves stung a bit but were easily managed. My only real side effects were headaches the day of, a little nausea, and some back pain the day after. My pregnancy went to 39 weeks, and I was induced due to my advanced maternal age."

• Boy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2018

"I had two children born early. One at 32 weeks and one at 34 weeks, not sure why. Now with my third child, they started me at 16 weeks on the Makena shot. The injection spot is in my arm, and we trade from left to right each week. After a couple of shots, the spot started to get itchy and hurt even more. Each injection is very painful, but I feel it’s worth it for my child to stay in there longer. I didn’t go through my insurance, I just went through an insurance that helps you pay for the shots. It is CVS Pharmacy, and I paid $50 a month for all four shots. I got my last shot at 36 weeks, they checked me, and I was dilated to 3 cm with 70% effaced. I am currently 37 weeks and 2 days, having mild contractions on and off. I also lost my mucus plug, so I am hoping any day now."

• Sam...
• January 17, 2016

"I went into preterm labor with my second at 34 weeks, had him at 35. For unknown reasons, my OB-GYN offered the Makena injection. Boy, it hurt. My nurses found out the higher the shot in the hip toward the spine, the better. I wouldn't feel a thing. It did make me feel sick. I am more happy. I am now at 36 weeks and getting my last injection. We shall see. But it's expensive if insurance doesn't cover. Thank goodness mine did. Also, trips once a week since 16 weeks pregnant, that's a huge downside. But she is healthy, and I soon will hold her in my arms."

• kee...
• November 10, 2016

"Delivered my first child at 28 weeks and 4 days. She lived to be 7 weeks and died after that. Second pregnancy, doctor recommended shots from 16 weeks up to 36 weeks. Well, I'm proud to say I made it to 36 weeks. Moral of the story is shots may be painful, but it works. Thank God I get to take this one home."

• Pao...
• May 8, 2017

"I had my daughter back in 2012 at 35 weeks, and my son at 32 weeks in 2014. Both pregnancies, my water broke, and they couldn't stop the contractions. For this pregnancy, I have been on Makena since week 17, and I stopped at 33 weeks because the pain in my hips from the shot wouldn't let me walk for two days after each shot. I'm happy because today I'm 37 weeks and going strong. I have my C-section scheduled for the 29th of May. Thanks, thanks Makena. I recommend Makena 200%."

• MBC...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 21, 2016

"I have been on Makena since 16 weeks due to a premature labor 8 years ago. I'm now 34 weeks with two shots left to go. I've made it :-) I was worried at first but have nothing negative to say, and if your doctor recommends this for you, I say do it!!"

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2020

"I lost twins at 24 weeks. My second pregnancy, I had my daughter at 31 weeks, so my OB suggested Makena for this pregnancy. I started the auto injector shots in the back of my arm at 17 weeks and will be 36 weeks tomorrow. I definitely think they are the reason I have made it this far in pregnancy. The shots are painful, but honestly, the pain doesn’t last long. It’s a burning sensation. I had some itchiness at the shot site a few days after, but nothing unbearable. I would totally recommend them. I know they are expensive, but I am lucky that we have good insurance that covers the price."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2019

"My OB recommended me to get Makena shots, hydroprogesterone shots, for my current pregnancy because my last baby was born at 35 weeks for no reason. I’ve been getting it since 16 weeks, and I stopped at 35 weeks. I am currently 37 weeks along, and so far, so good. I got the ones injected on top of my buttocks, and sometimes it burns, sometimes it doesn’t. Depending on which side of my buttock I got the shot, it makes that side very sore and makes me unable to sleep on that side for a few nights. It itches where I was given the shot, even my hands developed hives and itched. This shot tends to make me very hot, more than usual. It was sort of uncomfortable, but eventually, I got used to it. I think it’s worth it for the baby."

• MSL...
• August 23, 2018

"I have started my shots, and so far everything went well. I'm currently 22 weeks pregnant and praying this helps. I lost a son in 2017 at 19 weeks, and with this pregnancy, I was told I have a short cervix. I was given a cervical cerclage at 19 weeks and also given my first Makena shot. I then waited for an approval from my insurance company for 2 weeks and was finally approved. I was very scared after reading the risks and other people's experiences. But I prayed about it, put my fears aside, and decided to continue with the shot for a better chance at a good outcome. I heard that the injections hurt, but it felt like any other shot to me. It was given in my hip/butt and only has a bit of an itch. I do see a little dot of a bruise at my first site and a little bump, but nothing too alarming. I hope this helps me carry my little one full term and that I have a healthy child."