Progesterone shots

takmjs · June 2014

I'm supposed to get my first progesterone shot (Makena) on Wednesday. I remember reading about some women having a lot of pain or itching at the injection site. Has anyone been given suggestions or figured out how to reduce the pain and/or itching? Thanks!

kneenah1231 · June 2014

I had both reactions when i got my injections.. but i know some woman numb the spot with ice before hand.. all for a good cause and eventually the itching gets better.. good luck

Nlavender13 · June 2014

Ice helps a lot!!! Then after a warm washcloth on it helps your butt absorb the shot. At least that is how I felt. Gave myself that shot for 5 weeks:) it gets better. good Luck!

brachysira · June 2014

Inject in a fatty spot and then rub the spot. Apparently rubbing it in helps the meds disperse. But the difference in long term pain for me was the position of the shot. Far out on the fatty part of your hip is best.

bluebird0521 · June 2014

I never experienced itching but the soreness is lessened if you vigorously rub immediately after the injection, like you are massaging it into the muscle. It is honestly not that painful. I got all worked up and was surprised after I received my first injection at the doctors. Now the first injection that my husband gave me is a different story...just make sure if you have a family member doing them at home that they understand they don't need to stab the needle in

takmjs · June 2014

Oh man, the first shot I had was totally painless. The nurse knew all my concerns about it being painful and that I've been very itchy after other shots. She said she wouldn't do anything special with the first shot so that we'd know if we need to do anything in the future. Turns out we didn't. However....I had my second shot last week, with a different nurse. She really pinched my butt and stabbed it in there. Holy cow, that one hurt like mad! I think it's the nurse's method, not the actual shot. I need to request the good nurse, but I won't be getting them there much longer, I don't think. We're trying to get the shots done either at home or at a Walgreens closer to home, so I don't have to drive 90 minutes (each way) to get the shot each week.

haleyusf · June 2014

@Nlavender13and @bluebird1109 -- did you specifically ask to self-inject or was it offered to you as an option? I have my 16wk appt on the 3rd and will be starting my shots then, weekly until 36 weeks and I'm not looking forward to driving to those appointments! I already self-inject B12 twice weekly, so I'm not unfamiliar with the process. My pharmacist friend indicated that she thought the doc would only be able to authorize self-injection if I could get the prescription filled at a pharmacy rather than something the doc has compounded and delivered to the office. Any tips are appreciated!

dmfazio · June 2014

I have been receiving progesterone shots for almost 3 weeks twice a day (the hubs administers them). Icing may help numb the spot, though not necessary. Immediate massage to the area is extremely helpful, followed by light exercise that focuses on that area (mine was intramuscular in the glutes). Think lunges, stairs, ballet, etc. Afterward, I'd heat the area with a washcloth or heating pad. I know it's a lot of work, but trust me, it's worth it. If you're experiencing itching, check the oil in your meds...some use sesame oil, which can be an issue for people with certain sensitivities. Good luck!!

Nlavender13 · June 2014

@haleyusf‌ I am not sure what you doc would have you on that would require you going into the office every time for the shot. Most defiantly talk to him about doing it at home if he does not offer it that way. When in fertility treatments i can't tell you the number of shots i have given myself over the years (in the 100's and some times 3-4a day) i have never gotten them from my doc unless i happen to be in the office when I needed one. I have even mixed my own dose at home also. 20 weeks of daily injections at your doc is insanity. But like i said may be something different then what I had, my PIO shots were to be taken at week two in my cycle till week 7 in pregnancy and then I am on a pill form till week 12. Your baby then starts to produce their own progesterone from their sacs so not sure what would need you to take it so late in your pregnancy. That is what makes me think that maybe it is a different type of med then what I took or a different form of it. Keep me posted on what they decide, good luck!

haleyusf · June 2014

Ah, yes, @Nlanvender13, I'll be on something different. I didn't need progesterone early on but I'll be taking the 17P shots, which is a compounded progesterone, from 16 to 36 weeks to prevent preterm labor. I believe it's a weekly shot so I'd just be going in once a week for the injection; I just haven't seen many people who were able to self-inject these so I wasn't sure. Thanks though!

Wally3 · June 2014

I had horrible itchy sore butt - the heat and ice helped some but not a lot. Big granny pg panties and dresses helped out so my underwear and pants didn't rub on my butt. I had a nurse that came to the house / my office and gave me injections - covered by insurance. I think having the nurse come was great - she also checked me and was the one who noticed my preterm labor and sent me to the hospital. If you can I would say go in and get checked every week when you get the shot.

bluebird0521 · June 2014

@haleyusf It was offered as an option. I did not get a compounded 17p injection. I received Makena (name brand) and that was delivered by CVS to my doctor's office. My insurance would not allow the shot to be delivered to my home for liability reasons because of the needles and everything that comes with it. They wanted it to be delivered and sign for by a nurse, so I would try to coordinate my deliveries with appointments I already had or worst case I would just drive out there and pick them up. Each shipment was 5 injections so 5 weeks worth.

AnonnAni · June 2014

@haleyusf The P17 is the same thing as the Makena .. Makena is the brand name but you can do self injection or have you SO taught to do it for you at home. But it is best to know how to do it should no one be avalible to do it for you. I found this easier than making my way into to the shots at the hospital. Specially if you end up having tenderness in the area then going to work after for instances isn't fun and sitting all day long. I would do mine at night before bed. Didn't keep me from having any tenderness issues but for me it was one less day to deal with it since I was going right to sleep after.

dmb12 · July 2014

I will be on these shots as well soon from 16-36 weeks, I have Cigna Insurance - anyone care to share the cost of makena, or the compounded version?? Thanks!!

etsantacruz1221 · July 2014

I got my first shot today and it really wasn't that bad just sore but I also have had the steroid shot for the lungs in previous pregnancies and that one is way worse but every woman is different and everyone's body reacts differently just know even though it's scary there are plenty of us going through it right with you

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