Generic name: carboprost [ KAR-boe-prost ]
Drug class: Uterotonic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 26, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Hemabate?

Hemabate 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.

Hemabate is used to treat severe bleeding after childbirth (postpartum).

Hemabate 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. This medicine 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.

Hemabate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Hemabate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Hemabate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe pelvic pain, cramping, or vaginal bleeding;

• high fever;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• shortness of breath

• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or

• increased high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain).

Common side effects of Hemabate may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• mild fever, chills;

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• cough, hiccups;

• headache; or

• mild pelvic pain or menstrual-type cramps.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

oxytocin, mifepristone, Pitocin, Methergine, methylergonovine, carboprost, Mifeprex

Warnings

You should not receive Hemabate if you have active pelvic inflammatory disease, a breathing disorder, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.

This medicine in given in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Hemabate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• active pelvic inflammatory disease;

• a lung disorder or breathing problem;

• heart disease;

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

To make sure Hemabate is safe for you, tell your doctor 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.

It is not known whether carboprost passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is Hemabate given?

Hemabate is given as an injection into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

You may be given medication to prevent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while you are receiving Hemabate.

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, Hemabate may not produce a complete abortion and the procedure must be repeated.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive Hemabate in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving Hemabate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Hemabate?

Other drugs may interact with carboprost, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01.