Drugs & Vitamins

Hextend Active Ingredients: Hetastarch Representative Names: Hespan, Hextend What is hetastarch injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with hetastarch? What side effects may I notice from receiving hetastarch? What should I watch for while taking hetastarch? Where can I keep my medicine? What is hetastarch injection? (Back to top) HETASTARCH (Hespan®) treats or prevents shock, following serious injury, bleeding, surgery, or burns, by increasing the volume of blood plasma. Hetastarch is not a substitute for blood, but is for emergency situations when whole blood or blood products are not available. Generic hetastarch injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: •bleeding disorder or blood disease •disease of the brain •having intramuscular injections •heart, liver, or kidney disease •fluid on the lungs •other chronic illness •an unusual or allergic reaction to corn, hetastarch, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pancreatitis •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Hetastarch is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with hetastarch? (Back to top) •certain hormones (steroids) such as cortisone or prednisone Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving hetastarch? (Back to top) Side effects from hetastarch include: Rare or uncommon: •difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat •swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet •tightness in the chest, cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing •unusual rash, bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin •unusual bleeding Other: •confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells •fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain •fever, chills •blood disorder or anemia •headache •joint or muscle pains •nausea, vomiting •pain and burning at the injection site •restlessness •skin rash or redness, itching (hives) •stuffy nose •unusual swelling of the body, not passing urine or difficulty passing urine •unusual swelling, not passing urine or difficulty passing urine What should I watch for while taking hetastarch? (Back to top) Your condition will be closely monitored while you receive hetastarch. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Hetastarch injection is given only by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Last Updated:08/27/1999 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.