carbetocin

Approved for medical use in Canada and the United Kingdom in 1997, Carbetocin is a medication indicated for the prevention of excessive postpartum bleeding, particularly following Cesarean section. According to drugs.com, “Carbetocin binds to oxytocin receptors present on the smooth musculature of the uterus, resulting in rhythmic contractions of the uterus, increased frequency of existing contractions, and increased uterine tone.” As for the side effects, Wikipedia states that the most common ones are “nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itching skin, increased body temperature, trembling and weakness”. There are also other side effects that are less common that the previously mentioned ones, including back and chest pain, dizziness, chills and sweating, metallic taste, anemia, and trouble breathing. Bear in mind that this medication is not recommended during pregnancy, prior to the delivery of the infant. In fact, using Carbetocin during pregnancy “could result in hyperstimulation of the uterus with hypertonic or tetanic contractions, tumultuous labor, uterine rupture, cervical and vaginal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, uteroplacental hypoperfusion and deceleration of the fetal heart rate, fetal hypoxia, hypercapnea, or death” (according to drugs.com).