Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Makena. It helps reduce the risk of having a baby too early in your pregnancy. This medicine may have other uses, too.

Makena is an injection that is usually given once a week. Your health care provider will give the dose to you. It may be given in two ways, either in the back of your arm or in the upper part of your buttocks. Your doctor will decide where to give you the shot. After your dose, your health care provider should teach you how to manage symptoms of a possible allergic reaction, like hives or itching.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include irritation at the injection site, such as pain, itching, swelling or a hard bump. It may also cause nausea or diarrhea. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. You should contact your doctor if they get worse instead of better, or if you notice swelling or oozing at the injection site. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking Makena, please talk to your doctor.

You should talk to your doctor about the effects Makena could have on your pregnancy. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will monitor your condition closely. 

As with any medicine, rare but more serious effects could occur. With Makena, these include blood clots, fluid retention, depression and jaundice. Your doctor will also watch for increases in your blood pressure and your blood sugar. You should read the Patient Information sheet for more information.

For best results with Makena, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions after each dose.