Hydroxyprogesterone and Pain: What Users Say

• Luc...
• February 27, 2020

For Premature Labor "After two pregnancies that ended in loss at 24 weeks, my doctor did a cerclage at 12 weeks and started me on Makena injection at 16 weeks. I got it in the hip, and if it is done right and injected slowly, the pain is not as bad as when it isn't. I seriously cried on some of those because the pain was so bad. I finally remembered which nurses were the best and requested them. The pregnancy that I had the cerclage and injections lasted until almost 36 weeks before I ended up with preeclampsia. I'm pregnant with my final baby and have had a cerclage placed again, and my Makena shots just arrived today. They are the auto-injection ones, though, and quite intimidating. I start them next week. I don't really care if they say it is effective or not, there have been millions of women who have taken this shot, and it prolonged their pregnancy. This is a shot to help prolong pregnancy, not cure premature birth altogether, and sometimes, your body has other plans regardless of what you try to do."

• Lia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

For Premature Labor "This shot is by far the worst pain you will ever feel, it wasn’t so bad when it went in your buttocks, but behind your arm is painful, and it stays sore for days. I don’t know if I can do this every week, it was really painful!!!"

• Lia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

For Premature Labor "This shot is by far the worst pain you will ever feel, it wasn’t so bad when it went in your buttocks, but behind your arm is painful, and it stays sore for days. I don’t know if I can do this every week, it was really painful!!!"

• OCM...
• May 29, 2020

For Premature Labor "My OBGYN recommended taking Makena. Starting at 16 weeks, I started my Makena shots. I had an adverse reaction to the injections, as many stated: site injection, itching, burning, and swelling that lasted about a week, on top of drowsiness and next-day pelvic pain that caused me an inability to walk. I continued to take the injections for a total of 4 injections, after each injection, I would have the same reaction, sleeping almost the entire day and experiencing pelvic pain, unable to walk the next day. At 18 weeks, I was hospitalized for severe pain, but the fetus was growing normally. At 19 weeks, I spoke to my OB about the side effects, and she said she had never heard of this complaint yet. I called their customer service line and Amax Pharmaceuticals, and they also had never heard of these reported side effects. So I will no longer be taking Makena, as it is causing my body more harm than good."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2019

For Premature Labor "I started the hip injections of this at 16 weeks. I’ve had 3 so far. They are super painful. And a few hours after the shot, I get strong contractions, pelvic pressure, and cervical pain. It feels like the start of labor. After every single shot, this has happened and is on and off for a few days and wasn’t happening before I got the shots and didn’t happen with my daughter, who was my preemie. It goes away, then I get my next shot, and it starts up again. It’s very unsettling."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2019

For Premature Labor "I would 100% recommend the Makena shot! I had my first son at 33.6 weeks. I started getting the Makena shot at 17 weeks until 35 weeks. I am currently 37 weeks and still pregnant and not dilated at all. The shot is pretty painful at first, but after the first few, you get used to soreness/itchiness. But is it worth having a healthy baby? YES."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2020

For Premature Labor "So far, so great. When I was pregnant with my first son, I went in at 24 weeks to find out my cervix was opening. They said I had an incompetent cervix. So, I ended up in the hospital for a month, then at 28 weeks they sent me home because nothing changed. At 30 weeks, I went back in with contractions and was 3 cm dilated. I ended up in the hospital for another month and finally gave birth to my son at 36 weeks. When I got pregnant again, I was so worried. My doctor put me on the Makena injections at 16 weeks and began doing cervical length ultrasounds every 2 weeks. I am now at 28 weeks...my cervix is the picture of perfection, and I'm so happy!!!!! I get the injections above my butt, and they do hurt like anything. And the shot site itches a lot. But it's honestly worth it if I can stay pregnant for at least 10 more weeks. So...fingers crossed."

• Swe...
• June 18, 2015

For Premature Labor "My first baby was born at 31 weeks due to placental abruption. My doctor recommended Makena injections with my second pregnancy. I took the injections until 36 weeks. My only side effect was pain and itching at the injection site for several days after the shot. I had contractions at 34 weeks but did not dilate. Started having signs of labor a week after my last shot and delivered at 37 1/2 weeks."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2019

For Premature Labor "The Makena new way to administer the auto-injection is HORRIBLE. It was extremely painful in my arm, and the pain doesn't subside until after about 10 minutes, and even after that, you still feel soreness. My first shot, 10 minutes later walking out of the doctor's office, I got extremely hot, dizzy, and couldn't walk straight, I almost passed out. They had to lay me down and cool me off. They are discussing the old way to inject into the hip or buttocks. With my second child (3 years ago), I had no side effects with the shot at all...a little burn, but that's it. This new auto-injectable is horrible. I had my first daughter at 34 weeks, and preterm runs in the family. I started the shot at 16 weeks in my last pregnancy and made it to 39 weeks, so the Makena worked to prevent preterm delivery. My doctor is having me do it again with this pregnancy, and of course, I'd rather be on the safe side...baby first. But this way is horrible."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2020

For Premature Labor "My first baby, my son, I gave birth to him at 35 & 5. He was 5 pounds & 11 ounces, supposed to be due in March but came in February. He had to stay in the NICU for 2 weeks. I am currently pregnant now with a girl, and I started to get my shots done at 21-22 weeks because my insurance took forever to get back, but when I got them in my buttocks, yes, it hurt a little and it did sting a little, but I think any shot you get is gonna do that. After a while, I was fine...no lumps, no bruising, no pain. I reached 36 weeks with no problems. My daughter is moving all around and she is right where she's supposed to be on weight and size. At my last appointment, my doctor checked my cervix and it wasn't dilated yet, but my cervix was soft. I have an appointment coming up this Thursday to see if she's head down still and if there is any change in my cervix. We are waiting for labor and can't be more excited."

• Reg...
• August 24, 2015

For Premature Labor "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!!"

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

For Premature Labor "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."

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

For Premature Labor "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."

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

For Premature Labor "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

For Premature Labor "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

For Premature Labor "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

For Premature Labor "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%."

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

For Premature Labor "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

For Premature Labor "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."

• Bir...
• May 16, 2017

For Premature Labor "I had my first baby at 30 weeks. When I got pregnant the second time, my doctor recommended the Makena shots that I took weekly for about three months. Yet, I still gave birth at 30 weeks as my first pregnancy. It did not work for me. The shots were painful and so expensive, Prime Specialty Pharmacy was billing the insurance company about $3,500 for each 4 shots' shipment they call it. I personally would not recommend it. Had I known what I know now, I would have left it in God's hands."

• Dow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2018

For Premature Labor "Who knows if it works or not? I am leery of the lack of studies, especially following up on children in the years after they are born. There is so much pressure to receive these shots, but go with your gut. They hurt. I have had both the auto injector (in the arm) and the regular (in the muscle of your butt). Both caused side effects. I had one in my arm, and it itched and hurt for over a month after I received it. I had several in my butt that hurt for days at the injection site, sometimes pain down my leg, and I would develop a hard lump under the skin at the injection site. I have never felt more depressed, and it makes your urine smell something awful. Keeping the hope that the benefits are real and are worth the damage I may be doing to my body or my unborn baby. Who knows what will develop in the future from injecting ourselves with synthetic materials."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2017

For Premature Labor "First pregnancy, 6 years ago, my water broke at 30 weeks, delivered, he had to stay in NICU for 2 weeks. Second pregnancy, three years ago, my water broke at 26 weeks, stayed in the hospital, had him at 29 weeks. Third pregnancy, I miscarried. This pregnancy, I started the shots at 16 weeks, I made it to 29 weeks and still counting. If it wasn't for this shot, I probably would have already had the baby. I am so thankful that I was given this medicine. Yeah, it hurts, but it is totally worth it!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2017

For Premature Labor "Had my first baby at 32 weeks, and with my second baby, I started the shots at 19 weeks with my Dr's. I am pleased to say I'm 38 weeks with pregnancy and couldn't be happier with how the shots went. They are painful, but it was worth it to know I'm not going to deliver the baby in the NICU or have to worry about how small she will be, as I did with my first. I would love to tell any mother that has the option to use the shots to do so!!"

• Sbl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2017

For Premature Labor "I gave birth to my daughter at 34 weeks for completely unknown reasons. The doctors were so set on me agreeing to take Makena that when I asked about possible side effects, I was told there really aren't side effects. I was scheduled for a shot today but am completely refusing to allow my doctors to continue with this treatment. The side effects are terrible! The shots are painful, and you'll be tender for days. I also had a ton of fatigue while taking them, but the worst is the moodiness and depression. After just a few short weeks of taking Makena, my emotional state has become so poor that it is safer and healthier for both myself and my baby to not continue Makena. I would recommend for expecting mothers to steer clear of Makena."

• Jay...
• October 16, 2018

For Premature Labor "This is my 5th pregnancy-4 prior living healthy kids :) 2/4 pregnancies were preemies, 32 & 34 weeks. My son, born at 34 weeks, was due to lack of amniotic fluid and the cord wrapped around his neck 3 times-induced, being that he was dying inside of me. I started leaking fluid at 20 weeks and complete bed rest and taking terbutaline for contractions. Baby boy was born healthy, 5.1 pounds, 18 inches. My daughter was born at 32 weeks, I just began to dilate so quick, and they waited until I was 6 cm and popped my bag and had her within 20 minutes. She was in the NICU for a month due to premature lungs. Now, with my 5th pregnancy, I started Makena at 17 weeks. I had some hemorrhaging early on in the 1st trimester. Glad and hoping that this is the Makena working for me-as I currently am 33 weeks as of today-some mild Braxton Hicks. Injections do hurt and cause me so much pain! But as long as my baby boy makes it to term, I do not care about the side effects. I'll be back with an update as to when I have my baby, and God willing, everything goes smoothly :)"