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Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Side Effects
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is well tolerated in most cases; however, problems are possible. The most common side effects of hydroxyprogesterone caproate include pain and swelling at the injection site, hives, and itching. Fortunately, reactions to this drug are generally mild and easy to treat. However, if you develop high blood pressure, worsening of depression, or any other potentially dangerous side effects, notify your healthcare provider right away.
Just like any medicine, hydroxyprogesterone caproate (Makena™) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medication will have problems. In fact, most women tolerate it quite well. If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with hydroxyprogesterone caproate. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Some hydroxyprogesterone caproate side effects are potentially serious and either should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider or should be discussed with your healthcare provider right away if they show up in lab tests. These include but are not limited to:
- Worsening of depression
- Water retention, which may appear as a sudden weight gain and/or as swelling
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- High blood pressure
- A blood clot, which may appear as a painful, red, warm lump or swelling of the leg
- High blood sugar
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD