Caprogen DS 500

Description

Caprogen DS 500 mg/2ml IM Injection

Indications
Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate is indicated for-
Reducing the risk of preterm birth in women with a singleton pregnancy who have a history of singleton spontaneous preterm birth
Prevention of preterm labor in a singleton pregnancy for patients aged 16 years or older who have a history of spontaneous preterm birth

Pharmacology
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a synthetic steroid hormone that is similar to medroxyprogesterone acetate and megestrol acetate. It is an ester derivative of 17a-hydroxyprogesterone formed from caproic acid (hexanoic acid). The mechanism by which progesterone prevents preterm birth is not well understood, but many pathways are likely involved.
Progesterone plays a vital role in regulation of the female reproductive system and is important for successful implantation of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy. It acts by binding to progesterone receptors in the uterus, ovaries, breasts and in the central nervous system. These receptors exist in 2 isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. Progesterone binding to these receptors ultimately leads to regulation of gene transcription.
This results in an anti-inflammatory effect which blunts the proinflammatory state that occurs with initiation of labor, and maintains uterine queiscence by stabilizing progesterone acting on the myometrium.

Dosage & Administration
Administer intramuscularly at a dose of 500 mg or 250 mg once weekly. Begin treatment between 16 weeks, 0 days and 20 weeks, 6 days of gestation. Continue administration once weekly until week 37 (through 36 weeks, 6 days) of gestation or delivery, whichever occurs first.

Administration-
Clean the ampoule top with an alcohol swab before use.
Draw up 1 ml of drug into a 2 ml syringe.
After preparing the skin, inject in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus. The solution is viscous and oily. Slow injection (over one minute or longer) is recommended.
Applying pressure to the injection site may minimize bruising and swelling.