Community› The Bump Month Clubs› February 2015 Moms
February 2015 Moms
New Discussion

Anyone given terbutaline for PTL?

usmcwife89usmcwife89 member
in February 2015 Moms
I was admitted to L&D Friday for horrible contractions and fast dilation to a 4. I was given terbutaline in my IV and it slowed my contractions. I was sent home Saturday with an RX for it and instructed to take it every 4 hours to keep contractions slowed.

After insurance issues to fill the RX, DH finally picked it up today. The pharmacist warned me that it is NOT to be given to pregnant women to treat or prevent PTL. It says that on the pamphlet that comes with the RX as well. FDA website agrees and says it can cause serious medical problems to the mother and fetus.

Of course at this point I'm slightly freaking out and so pissed I was given this! Has anyone else been given this? I know no one is a doctor here but what the hell! Why do they give it if even the FDA is against it?

*i have called my doctor to discuss this- but I won't hear from them until tomorrow due to the holiday.
Report Reply to Post

Re: Anyone given terbutaline for PTL?

  • krysmillkrysmill member
    I'd wait to hear back from your dr before taking. I'd be pretty upset if that's what the pharmacy is saying. But there has to be a reason why they would have you take it. I don't think your dr would give you something that would harm you or the baby.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • Mego04Mego04 member
    Terbutaline is a pretty standard drug given for preterm labor. It may be an off label use as to why the pharmacist is saying it is not to be used for that. If my doctor gave it to me for preterm labor, I would take it. The only reason they would be prescribing it would be the benefits outweigh the risks (a NICU baby that could have serious problems)

    BabyFruit Ticker

    Report Reply
  • usmcwife89usmcwife89 member
    I definitely am waiting to take it. The pharmacist scared me about it and I can't wait to see what the doctor says
    Report Reply
  • usmcwife89usmcwife89 member
    I read numerous reports on this medication. Seems to always be a big debate over this drug so I'll probably see if my doctor can give me something else.
    Report Reply
  • smg2302smg2302 member
    I've had it twice this pregnancy. I was told it was perfectly
    Safe and it was administered in the hospital. So far the only reaction is super jitters like 10 cups of coffee jitters.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker


    Pregnancy Ticker
    Report Reply
  • KDRichards08KDRichards08 member
    I've taken it for preterm labour but that was only while I was in the hospital and when I had to go back they said it would not be suggested because it was 35 weeks. I have heard that terbutaline should not my used after a certain point. I'd hold off until you speak to your OB and if you have labor symptoms before then go in to l&d
    Report Reply
  • scgmamascgmama member
    I went into PTL at 29w with the twinkies and I was told then that I could only receive 3 doses of it. Of course this was almost 5 years ago so I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

    Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

    BabyFruit Ticker

    Report Reply
  • cinnamonsugarcinnamonsugar member
    edited January 2015
    When my delivery turned into and emergency c/s, I was given terbutaline at bedside to stop my contractions. After laboring for 12 hours unnecessarily (frank breech baby), I thought that drug was a godsend. It worked immediately as I was wheeled to the OR. Certainly speak to your doc if you're concerned, but in my experience it 100% legit.

    Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

    BabyFetus Ticker Daisypath Anniversary tickers
    Report Reply
  • usmcwife89usmcwife89 member
    My OB at my check up told me this drug doesn't stop labor from happening it just allows the mother to be more comfortable. After speaking to the FDA about why they don't allow this drug on label for the treatment or prevention of PTL, I won't be taking it. Many babies experience serious health problems years later that the FDA directly links to the medication. I realize everyone will form their own opinion but after doing research and etc but these are just my opinions. My OB can prescribe something else.
    Report Reply
  • SDJBMickeySDJBMickey member
    I have had so many contractions since about 26 weeks. My OB put me on nifedipine from 26-35 weeks. Doesn't actually prevent preterm labor either but helps control symptoms. You might consider asking about this instead.
    Report Reply
  • inalilbubbleinalilbubble member
    I went into early labor at 32 weeks and they gave me 2 shots of it at the hospital. I cried and protested because I didn't know what I was taking but was assured it was completely "safe". I didn't even think to look into it until I just saw your post today at 36 weeks. Fire could shoot out of my eyeballs I am so upset right now. So worried right now! Googling possible side effects on LO and it's just scary stuff! Can other moms please share some stories of using this and their babies being ok?!
    Report Reply
  • usmcwife89usmcwife89 member
    @inalilbubble‌ from my research it shouldn't cause issues to the baby if it wasn't used for more than 48 hours. I'm hoping this is right. Also from my research it says there's heart risks etc to the mother from any dose of it.

    I am not going to worry about it because I can't take anything back. But I certainly will not take it again. Heart problems run on both sides of my family so lord knows I don't need any help from medications to have issues!

    Our babies are probably fine from just the small dose that was given however again I say: I'm pissed the doctors and nurses didn't tell me the risks and I'm pissed at myself for not researching the drug before hand. I guess I just didn't think I would given something like this from my own doctors
    Report Reply
  • usmcwife89usmcwife89 member
    @maasybaby‌ my "no" list to medications is so long. I feel like soon there will be nothing left I'll take lol.
    Report Reply
  • inalilbubbleinalilbubble member
    @usmcwife89 thank you so much for your reply! I feel the same way. So upset at myself. I've googled everything throughout my entire pregnancy before eating or taking it. I was in such an emotional state because I was in preterm labor that I just trusted the doctors and nurses. The good thing is when I go into real labor I'll know to keep cool and question everything. My mom passed away last year from a massive heart attack and she had heart disease so I feel you not needing any additional complications there. Ugh. Just so frustrating all around. Thankfully it was 2 small doses via injection at the hospital. Thanks again, your response really helped put me at ease.
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"