Progesterone shots?

Candy_bandit · October 2016

Hola,
First appointment was today and my doctor informed me that since my daughter was born at 36 weeks she recommends Progesterone shots weekly starting at 16 weeks to prevent another early birth.
I am wondering if anyone else has had this? Of course I thought of all my questions after we had left, I am just generally curious how the experience was?

JonesBaby0624 · October 2016

I have taken progesterone shots with my last 3 pregnancies. I will try to answer questions if I can.

chickyclg · October 2016

I took them last pregnancy from 2-10 weeks and then 16-34 weeks when I had my twins. If the pain is unbearable ask for Synera numbing patches, they are awesome. Unfortunately the patches don't stop the itchiness.

This time I'm on progesterone suppositories instead but I don't know yet if I will continue them later in pregnancy.

Candy_bandit · October 2016

Awesome- generally how was it? I am lost in Dr Google and reading all of these insane side effects- rapid weight gain, swollen limbs, extreme pain at injection site? I have never had a problem with shots before and am guessing these are not the norm.
Also- did you go a full 40 weeks? There is almost nothing I wouldn't do to avoid another premature birth, we got very lucky that she didn't have to go to the nicu but I had just never heard of this until today.
Thank you for any insight!!

chickyclg · October 2016

Go slow with them, it is very thick (like vegetable oil). You will probably have a bruised feeling with itching.

Luckyu317 · October 2016

I had to do them as part of my meds for my Ivf cycle. Honestly? They were awful. My back/butt hurt So bad. I had to do them for (I think) 2-3 weeks. I switched to doing the vaginal suppositories ASAP. I finally got to stop taking them just this week. **adding: I didn't experience any weight gain or swelling, but the pain in the injection site was the worst part.

Candy_bandit · October 2016

Thank you guys! I wonder if the suppositories are an option- I will add it to my list of questions.

JonesBaby0624 · October 2016

I agree with pp. I didn't see any weight gain but the shot itself is pretty miserable. Like someone already said...it's very thick and weird feeling when injected. The pain at shot location is the worst part. I was on them for about a month and my ass hurt so bad the whole time.

FatPony · October 2016

I think it helps if you 'warm' up the vial in your hand a bit first, so it's not as viscous.

Luckyu317 · October 2016

Ice the injection site for 15-20 minutes before doing the shot. Makes a World of difference!

Candy_bandit · October 2016

Hmmmm- my doc told me a nurse will come to me weekly? Or did y'all go in weekly?

chickyclg · October 2016

@jamielynn3280090808 I was always able to do mine myself but they were daily also. I think something new passed but I was still able to give them to myself through my last FET.

Squirtgun · October 2016

My dr told me after my last delivery (35 weeks) that I would have to have weekly progesterone injections after about 14 weeks as well! I'm also pretty nervous about it after reading about the side effects. Did anyone get migraines as a side effect? I already get migraines sometimes, and saw that listed as a side effect somewhere.

Luckyu317 · October 2016

I did mine at home, every night.

kaley04 · October 2016

My baby is an IVF baby so I do progesterone shots from transfer till the end of 11 weeks. They are painful because they are mixed with oil and it's thick. This time I was spotting so I am on the suppositories also. I will say other than pain at the injection site I don't have any other symptoms. My husband has to give them to me because it's in my rear. I will say the price for the drugs completely different. The shots are $100 for a 20 day supply and $500 for a 21 day supply for the suppositories. Good luck.

emilyalso · October 2016

I have never used the shots or the suppositories, but to make another comment about the possible price discrepancy... I guess it depends on where you live (if you have your choice of pharmacies) and how your insurance works (of course) but some pharmacies will charge you a cash price if your insurance wants you to pay an insane amount. I worked in a compounding pharmacy (and made prog suppositories for women) and I am 99% sure we charged $2/suppository (and didn't involve insurance).

Just know that it pays to ask about a cash price just in case it comes out better.

chickyclg · October 2016

Squirtgun said:

My dr told me after my last delivery (35 weeks) that I would have to have weekly progesterone injections after about 14 weeks as well! I'm also pretty nervous about it after reading about the side effects. Did anyone get migraines as a side effect? I already get migraines sometimes, and saw that listed as a side effect somewhere.

Yes!! Even the suppositories give me terrible migraines.

Candy_bandit · October 2016

Dudes. This is sounding brutal! I am kind of grateful to be only 8 weeks and not have to worry about it for a bit

chickyclg · October 2016

@kaley04 The price also depends on insurance, my PIO is $20 vs suppositories which are $100.

@emilyalso My cash price was $600 for the suppositories.

renee6465 · October 2016

I have been wanting to ask this! I will need to be on the shots starting at 16 weeks. It is probably what I am most anxious about this time around. Is there a benefit to the shots over the suppositories or do they both do the exact same thing?

ddvj79 · October 2016

Almost all IVF patients have to take Progesterone and usually in the form of PIO shots (my doc says PIO is more effective than the suppositories) . I am on the PIO shots currently & while its certainly not pleasant there are some tricks that could potentially help you :
1. Ice area before you give yourself the shot
2. Roll the vial between your palms to warm it (I just roll the syringe)
3. After you have injected, rub the area & then ice a couple mins later
4. Alternate the injection side & site every day

I ended up having lumps at the injection site but has improved tremendously after I started doing the above. PIO shots are not pleasant but don't get too worried, it'll be ok.

Candy_bandit · November 2016

@cece2004

cece2004 · November 2016

@Candy_bandit Thank you for this.. it is a lot of good info!

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