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

This is a terbutaline injection. This medicine can help prevent and treat breathing problems from asthma, bronchitis or emphysema. Terbutaline can also be used to slow down or stop contractions during preterm labor. In this case, it should only be used for a day or two. During this time, doctors can give Mom and baby other medicines AND the care they need to prepare for birth. This preparation time can help the baby be as healthy as possible at birth.  

Terbutaline can be injected under the skin into subcutaneous tissue, usually in your upper arm. It can also be given into a vein, usually in your arm.  

Most patients tolerate this medicine well, but side effects can occur. It can make you feel nervous or shaky, or have a headache or nausea. Some patients have heart palpitations or a fast heartbeat. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away as you get used to the medicine. It could also cause dizziness. So, it's a good idea to ask for help standing up, until you know how it affects you. 

When terbutaline is used during preterm labor, the baby will be monitored closely to watch for a fast heartbeat. 

As with any medicine, less common but more serious side effects could occur. With terbutaline, these include chest pain, fluid in the lungs, seizures, low blood pressure, low blood potassium and high blood sugar. These effects are not likely with usual doses. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor and nurse will monitor for these effects closely and treat them if needed.

For best results with terbutaline, ask your doctor or nurse about any questions or concerns you may have.