Progesterone shot no longer avail- Stopping early and bedrest

Tater4955 · September 2014

I am currently 31 weeks and found out that the hydroxy compound progesterone is no longer available since it is not FDA approved. I have been receiving the injections since week 16. This is my 3rd pregnancy, my 1st child was born at 34 weeks. When I went in for my 30wk check I had a cervical check and was already 50% effaced. My next cervical check is 32 weeks and if it's any shorter I will be put on bedrest. If not shorter, I will be put on bedrest at 33 weeks when I will officially not have any extra progesterone in my system. I do have on and off cramping/contractions but nothing of major concern. I do feel pressure on occasion and my crotch bones are incredibly sore. Could this likely just be because it's my 3rd pregnancy and my body is just preparing or should I be very concerned that baby is going to make an early appearance?

AnonnAni · September 2014

At this point Makena is the only FDA approved progesterone compound for IM shots used for the SOLE treatment of IC/PTL, there are several types of progesterone that do in fact treat IC/PTL as well, but they are used to treat other disorders as well not just IC/PTL. So technically the OP is right in one respect but its a wording thing *shrugs* ...

AnonnAni · September 2014

OP also Makena did corner the market kinda forcing the hand so they are the primary used IM shot but they do provide financial assistance forms and insurance covers the shots and in some cases covers it entirely. I had to pay the $20 co-pay and that's it, I have heard other paying more but its worth looking into as well since you would obviously fall under the need if you were already on the shots. I personally have found them to be ummm difficult to communicate with BUT I need the shots.

acutypie · September 2014

Did you Dr. call you and tell you it was no longer available or did you find out when you went to refill? I'm just curious as i'm 29 weeks along but won't refill for 2 weeks. I haven't heard anything though and tried googling and didn't come up with anything. I just don't know if I'll be in the same boat as you.

dunnmommy · September 2014

I use progesterone injections also and I have not been told by my MFM or reg OBGYN that the shots are not longer FDA recommended. Have you tried calling Makena ( the company that makes the shots) or the pharmacy company you get your prescription for the shot from and asking them about it?

Tater4955 · September 2014

I was not using Makena, was using the hydroxy compound progesterone that is not FDA approved. Both the pharmacy and OB told me they can no longer legally give it out, so this just kind of screws thousands of people. Most of us cannot afford Makena, unfortunately

Tater4955 · September 2014

I also googled this and could not find anything about it yet.

suitern · September 2014

Could you see if you could do a progesterone suppository? I was on one with both pregnancies for short/dilating cervix and I do think it made a difference.

Danibellis1992 · September 2014

I have just came across this post and I was wondering wether anyone knows how long it takes for the cyclogest progesterone suppository to get out of your system if you take them daily? Xx

JoeysLady · September 2014

I have no idea why your OBGYN is telling you this. I *just* had my consult with MFM for pregnancy #3 and spoke to the head of the dept who said that it IS in fact FDA approved now. It apparently wasn't back in 2012 when I was pregnant with my second and doing the injections weekly. I am also taking the compounded formula, not Makena's progesterone.