hetastarch

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Pronunciation: HET a starch

Brand: Hespan, Hextend

What is the most important information I should know about hetastarch?

You should not receive this medication if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or urination problems not caused by hypovolemia (decreased blood plasma volume).

Hetastarch can harm your kidneys. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms of kidney damage: swelling, rapid weight gain, unusual tiredness, nausea, vomiting, feeling short of breath, red or pink urine, painful or difficult urination, or little or no urinating.

What is hetastarch?

Hetastarch (hydroxyethyl starch) is made from natural sources of starch. Hetastarch increases the volume of blood plasma that can be lost from bleeding or severe injury. Plasma is needed to circulate red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout the body.

Hetastarch is used to treat or prevent hypovolemia (decreased blood plasma volume, also called "shock") that may occur as a result of serious injury, surgery, severe blood loss, burns, or other trauma.

Hetastarch may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive hetastarch?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to hetastarch, or if you have:

  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
  • kidney disease;
  • congestive heart failure; or
  • urination problems not caused by hypovolemia (decreased blood plasma volume).

If possible before you receive hetastarch, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • a history of heart disease; or
  • if you are allergic to corn.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether hetastarch will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether hetastarch passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medicine.

How is hetastarch given?

Hetastarch is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving hetastarch. Your blood will also need to be tested daily during treatment.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive hetastarch in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since hetastarch is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving hetastarch?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of hetastarch?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

  • wheezing or gasping for breath, rapid breathing, sweating, and anxiety;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • weak pulse, slow breathing;
  • chest pain, fever, chills, cough; or
  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Rare but serious side effects may include:

  • severe headache, vision or speech problems, mental changes;
  • drooping eyelids, loss of feeling in your face, tremors, trouble swallowing; or
  • severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Hetastarch can harm your kidneys. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms of kidney damage: swelling, rapid weight gain, unusual tiredness, nausea, vomiting, feeling short of breath, red or pink urine, painful or difficult urination, or little or no urinating.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild itching or skin rash;
  • mild headache;
  • muscle pain; or
  • swollen glands, mild flu symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hetastarch?

Other drugs may interact with hetastarch, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about hetastarch.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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