Makena and Itching: What Users Say (Page 2)

• She...
• August 27, 2016

For Premature Labor "I had my first baby at 34 weeks. Took the shot with my second, and I am 38 weeks. I had itching where I was injected after the shot, but no side effects other than that. I would recommend the shot, and I am happy I did it."

• Kit...
• August 17, 2017

For Premature Labor "I had spontaneous premature labor with my first pregnancy and delivered my son at 30 weeks, 1 day after two days of attempts to stop my labor. I received the Makena injection beginning at 19 weeks during my second pregnancy and received my last shot at 35 weeks, 5 days, I believe. I had my daughter 8 days later at 36 weeks, 6 days, so almost what is considered full term. I'm currently pregnant with my third and began the injections at 19 weeks again this time. I'm 35 weeks now, and as of last week, my cervix was still high and closed. I've not had any side effects from the shots other than injection site reactions a few times, such as some itching, swelling, and a lump/knot. My overall experience has been good, definitely worth it!"

• six...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2019

For Premature Labor "I had my second daughter at 33 weeks. With my last daughter, I had an emergency cerclage placed at 16 weeks. I was already 1 cm dilated. I started the p17 shots in the hip and went into labor at 31 weeks. I stayed in the hospital at 7 cm until I delivered her at 36 weeks. I received the p17 shot until I delivered her at 36 weeks. I’m now 21 weeks 3 days pregnant with my 4th daughter and had a cerclage placed at 14 weeks and started the Makena auto-injector in my arm at 16 weeks. The arm injections itch like crazy, burn, and leave me with lumps for days. I get cervical length checks every 2 weeks, and it is long and closed. Not sure if the injections are helping or if the cerclage is working. I’m hoping to make it to 36 weeks again without a hospital stay."

• NPa...
• February 24, 2021

For Premature Labor "Well, I was open to using Makena as directed by my OB due to preterm labor with my first child at 35 weeks. I started the auto injector and immediately had severe pain with radiating symptoms into my elbow. The pain was deep, and I could hardly move my elbow, it swelled up so much on day three or four from the injection. I never really had significant site reaction until injections two through four. I handled the second and third injection much better and thought I was improving in my tolerability of this medication, just some arm soreness along the back of the arm that lasted about a week. Then, my fourth injection was terrible. I had significant itching and a flare-up of rash, hives, and swelling on both posterior arms. I decided the misery was enough, my stress and discomfort and poor sleep were likely causing more distress in this pregnancy than the potential benefit of the injection. So, I stopped it!"

• May...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2017

For Premature Labor "Had my first at 32 weeks. She was in the NICU for almost 2 months. Ultimately, we decided to try again. My doctor started me on the Makena shots at 16 weeks. The shot itself didn't hurt going in because I would make the nurse pinch my arm. It burned going in a little. In the beginning, I had a site reaction of swelling, warmth, itchiness, and sometimes soreness like I was punched in the arm. Around the halfway point, that all went away. I did experience some dizziness, nausea, and fatigue, but now that I'm down to my last 3 shots, no side effects. Also, I recommend alternating arms. It hurts less than hips. Makena care connection is available. If you can't afford."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2019

For Premature Labor "My son was born at 28 weeks 4 days due to unexpected cervical shortening. He stayed in the NICU for 72 days. And now he is a very healthy and happy kid who is about to turn 5 in March. I am currently 20 weeks pregnant. I started my injections at 17 weeks and am having cervical length ultrasounds every 2 weeks to monitor my cervix. So far, everything is fine, cervical length is at 4 cm. The shots do hurt for a couple of days. My healthcare provider said it's less painful in the arm, but the pain lasts longer. On the other hand, it's more painful on the hip when shots are given, but the pain doesn't last long. I got my shots in my arms because I am a medical assistant, and I know that if the person who is administering the shots in your hip hits the wrong spot, you can be paralyzed. Other than pain and itch, no other side effects for me so far. Fingers crossed. Hope it all is worth it and the baby stays longer in my belly."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2019

For Premature Labor "So, my doctor recommended the Makena shot because I had my second daughter at 35 weeks, and my last 2 children, I kept having to go to the hospital and get shots for contractions for preterm labor because I was dilating. I had pain in my arm from the shot, and my arms itched and lumped up for weeks. I had to switch to the generic because it was too pricey, and the manufacturer ran out of the medication after my 4th shot. The generic wasn't much better. It left itching, burning, and lumps. Having the injection site in my upper buttocks was much easier. I am almost 35 weeks now, and I've been to the hospital consistently since 24 weeks with contractions and such. Now I have a huge lump in my right buttocks that hurts real bad and itches. I feel like it has sort of kept me from going into full-blown labor, but only with the help from 4 other medications."

• Rya...
• July 24, 2019

For Premature Labor "Started Makena at 16 weeks after having my last son at 27 weeks with PPROM. Currently 34+3, 2 more shots to go. I’m not sure what kind of injections other reviewers are getting, mine is in my hip, but I have absolutely no pain, itching, lumps, or side effects. It doesn’t bother me one bit to get them! Seems to have done the job so far!"

• Jen...
• December 12, 2017

For Premature Labor "I was prescribed this after I told my OBGYN that I had my first son at 35 weeks. At 16 weeks, I started Makena with my second son. After 7 injections, the side effects I have experienced have been horrible, with itching all over my body. I have depression and anxiety already, and my OBGYN knew this and prescribed this anyway, and now after my 7th shot, I am really down! With depression so severe that all I do is cry all day! I'm 25 weeks tomorrow, and there is no way I can continue this shot! I had a beautiful love affair with my BF, and now all we do is fight, and I catch myself yelling and being extremely moody, and our whole relationship is falling apart! If you have depression or mental health issues, DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2017

For Premature Labor "My firstborn came at 35 weeks. She weighed 6 pounds. Had a high level of jaundice, so we had to stay a few extra days. My second came at 36 weeks, which is still considered late preterm. She weighed 5 pounds and 7 oz. The only issue was her weight. And both had problems keeping down breast milk. They would spit up after feedings. I switched my OBGYN, and she suggested using the Makena injections with my third. I am 38 weeks pregnant, and I cannot be happier with the results. Makena does work. No complications. When given the injection, it is painful and may get red and itchy where the shot was given, but that's normal. There are also other side effects, which your doctor should go over with you."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2018

For Premature Labor "With my second child, my water broke at 34 weeks, 5 days, and my doctor induced contractions. With my third child, my OB recommended the Makena shots. I started them at 14 weeks and continued through week 36. The only problems I had with the shots were injection site pain and itching. My healthy baby boy was born 6 days over due, but I didn't have to deal with a preterm baby or pitocin-induced contractions (ouch!). I am now 9 weeks pregnant with baby #4 and will again get the shots weekly starting at 14 weeks. I would much rather deal with mild discomfort for a few months than to run the risk of having another preterm baby."

• Hot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2022

For Premature Labor "Three weeks after taking my last injection (only took two because side effects were too much), I now have burning, itching, welt/hive-like, hot, raised spots (about 4x4 area) on the back of both arms where injections were done."

• Bos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2021

For Premature Labor "I started getting Makena injections at 17 weeks due to my last baby being born 6 weeks early. Yes, I had pain and itching at the injection site, sleepy after getting the shot. But for the most part, it was okay. I’m now 39 weeks, and I’m so ready to have my little one, and he isn’t budging. I have lightning crunches, and I guess Braxton Hicks all day long. Still no water break, so I guess the injections are doing what they should, keeping my man in till term, but I’m just ready now."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2022

For Premature Labor "I have started Makena at 16 weeks pregnant. In the beginning, they were very painful and had the side effects of bumps and itchiness every week. The doctor prescribed triamcinolone to help with itchiness, which worked well, and put a warm compress on the bumps and massaged them, and they went away. The shots got better after a while. Just got the last shot today at 36 weeks and feel fine."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2017

For Premature Labor "Not worth it. I went into early labor with my first three pregnancies, which all got stopped with a pill around 34 weeks. I ended up actually having them at 37 weeks, 37 weeks, and 36 weeks. Now with pregnancy (4th), my doc encouraged me to use the Makena shots. I started them at about 18 weeks. Not only are they very expensive, but getting them every week was a huge hassle! Plus, they hurt when getting injected, and the longer I got them, they became more painful and itchy, and I even got a huge bruise one time. Plus, they made me feel off, and I felt shaky and sore. Then to top it all off, I still got random contractions, and I started to dilate at 30 weeks. So in my book, I feel like it was way more stress and hassle to deal with, and a ton of $."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2023

For Premature Labor "Had PPROM and spontaneous birth at 29 and 30 weeks with my first baby. 39-day NICU stay. I am now pregnant with my second and my OB prescribed Makena, 240 mg auto-injector, starting at 16 weeks. I had my third shot today, all in the arm. The injection is fairly simple. A small needle you don’t see administered in the back of the arm for about 10-15 seconds. You don’t feel the injection, but you will feel the effects after which includes (for me) pain, numbness, burning, and itching in the arm and shoulder. This only lasts for 4-5 hours and I am back to normal. The worst part is just having to schedule weekly appointments as I am incredibly hopeful this will help me carry my second to full term. If you are considering or been prescribed this, go through the wonderful team with CareConnect to see if you can get the manufacturer discount."