Starting weekly progesterone shots

Mrs_D_in_KY

4 years ago - I started with preterm labor with my son at 28w. I go to labor and delivery for what I thought was BH and turns out I am 2 cm dilated and contracting pretty regularly. I am put on oral terbutaline and bedrest for 8 weeks. I deliver my son at 36w 4d after my water breaks on it's own.

Fast forward 4 years...I saw my OB today for my 20 week check up. He said with my history of preterm labor and not having a full term pregnancy, I will start weekly progesterone shots next week. He feels that it will help tremendously. And he has seen women who have dealt with PTL go to 38-39 weeks.

My question is - has anyone dealt with weekly progesterone shots? I've heard there are no side effects, just maybe a sore bum.

Xath

I'm doing P17 shots right now (makena). No side effects aside from an occasionally sore bum, but I think it's working. My contractions definitely get more intense/frequent in the last 2 days before my next dose, then die down after the shot.

Wally3

I had p17 shots from 16 to 36 wks. No side effects. Really itchy sore bum that got worse and worse. I wore granny pg panties and dresses at the end. Delivered at 39 wks.

haziedaze

Yeah, I'm doing them myself. All my side effects have been local- minor brusing, itching. Sometimes the site stings/burns for a while afterwards, that's been better since I've started getting them in a little deeper. One time I had a knot develop around the area I injected, it was hard for about 2 weeks, I just used other spots till it improved.

hdchafin

I have the pharmacy compound not Mckenna. For me side effects have been contractions before the shot, headaches and being tired the day after. The first couple I felt like I had the flu the day after then I was fine. I think my body adjusted to them, I seem to tolerate them much better now. Now it just stings a little right after and sometimes the injection site gets a little sore.

pigtails1031777

Yes this is my second round if p17. I started at 16 weeks with both pregnancies. I started ptl at 34 weeks and delivered at 38
Hoping this time around it's quiet and full term

Mrs_D_in_KY

Thanks everyone for their responses! I'm definitely hoping I can make it to full term no problem and hopefully avoid bedrest.

LolaX2

I am on them and really the only side effects I have had are as others have mentioned a soar and sometimes itchy bum. they aren't fun, but not terrible and worth it to try to keep our LO in longer!

amb2013

I'm currently 38 weeks 5 days with a singleton. I had ptl with very complicated twin pregnancy previously, I lost the twins due to prematurity. This pregnancy has been completely different and they added the makena injections from week 16 through 36. I had a sore butt. Especially towards the end. But well worth it. Also, these were very expensive and I was shocked to qualify for makena patient assistance program. My husband and I both work I wasn't expecting to qualify and we ended up only having to pay 75 a month. So if the shots are expensive for you, definitely apply. 

Mrs_D_in_KY

Good to know @amb2013. I know we have a yearly deductible of $3,000 so not sure what we will be billed for the shots. But definitely something to keep in mind, thanks for the tip!

pigtails1031777

The shots are 4400 a dose which is 5 week supply. Crazy.
Our insurance changed so I'll see what we have to pay. My usual amount was 125

hdchafin

If cost is a factor, and I hear Mckenna is crazy expensive, you should ask if there is a pharmacy that will compound it for you. My 17p is compounded by a local pharmacy and ups'd to my door. I pay $65 a vial which is 10 shots. A while back I saw a few ladies mention a mail pharm that they got theirs from, but I cant remember who they were or the pharmacy name.

LolaX2

Wow I feel really lucky that my insurance covers the cost of my shots...

pigtails1031777

Accreddo (sp) dispenses mine