Hetastarch Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 18, 2025.

Applies to hetastarch: intravenous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while receiving the medicine to make sure it is working properly. Blood and urine tests are needed to check for unwanted effects.

Call your doctor right away if you have bloody or cloudy urine, difficult or painful urination, sudden increase or decrease in the amount of urine, or swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs. These may be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.

Check with your doctor right away if you have black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, headache, dizziness, or weakness, pain, swelling, or discomfort in a joint, pinpoint red spots on your skin, unusual nosebleeds, or any unusual bleeding or bruising.

This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of hetastarch

Along with its needed effects, hetastarch may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hetastarch:

Other side effects of hetastarch

Some side effects of hetastarch may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to hetastarch: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions are hypersensitivity, coagulopathy, hemodilution, circulatory overload and metabolic acidosis.

Serious adverse events reported in clinical trials are increased mortality and renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Vomiting^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Intracranial bleeding, bleeding and/or anemia due to hemodilution and/or Factor VIII deficiency, acquired von Willebrand's-like syndrome, coagulopathy (including rare cases of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and hemolysis)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Death, life-threatening anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, severe hypotension, non-cardiac pulmonary edema, laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, angioedema, wheezing, restlessness, tachypnea, stridor, fever, chest pain, bradycardia, tachycardia, shortness of breath, chills, urticaria, pruritus, facial and periorbital edema, coughing, sneezing, flushing erythema multiforme, rash^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Metabolic acidosis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle pain^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Submaxillary and parotid glandular enlargement, mild influenza-like symptoms, headaches, hydroxyethyl starch-associated pruritus in patients with deposits of hydroxyethyl starch in peripheral nerves^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary edema^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Circulatory overload, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, peripheral edema of the lower extremities^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Need for renal replacement therapy^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Hetastarch side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer