Duratocin Injection vial (Carbetocin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Duratocin Injection vial Used For?
Duratocin contains carbetocin, a medicine that helps your womb (uterus) contract after giving birth. It works similarly to oxytocin, a natural hormone in your body.
Primary Uses
Duratocin is used after birth to minimize the risk of bleeding in women who have delivered their baby either vaginally or by caesarean section.
How It Works
Carbetocin causes the womb to contract. In some women, the womb doesn’t contract quickly enough after delivery, which increases bleeding risk. Duratocin helps prevent this by ensuring proper uterine contractions.
Hospital Use Only: This medication is only used in hospitals and will be given by trained healthcare professionals.
How to Take Duratocin Injection vial
Duratocin is given as a single injection by a healthcare professional in the hospital immediately after your baby is delivered.
Dosage Instructions
You will receive a single dose of 100 micrograms (1 mL). This will be injected either into one of your muscles or slowly over one minute into a vein.
When You Will Receive It
Duratocin will be given to you immediately after the delivery of your baby.
Important: This medication must only be given after delivery of your baby, never during pregnancy or before delivery.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
- stomach pain
- itching
- flushing or feeling of warmth
- feeling light headed, dizzy or faint (low blood pressure)
- headache
- tremor (shaking)
- back pain
- dizziness
- metallic taste
- signs of anaemia (tiredness, shortness of breath, looking pale)
- sweating
- chills
- nervousness, feeling anxious
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- hypersensitivity and severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath, wheezing)
- fast, slow or abnormal heart beat
- chest pain
- cold clammy skin
- fainting or palpitations
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving Duratocin. Make sure your healthcare team knows about all your medical conditions.
Who Should Not Take Duratocin Injection vial
Do not use if you are allergic to carbetocin, oxytocin, or any ingredients in the medication. You must not receive Duratocin if you have disorders of the heart and blood vessels, during pregnancy, or before delivery of your baby. This medication should not be given to children.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: severe heart disease, high blood pressure (including eclampsia and pre-eclampsia), abnormalities of the placenta, liver or kidney problems, blood clotting problems, endocrine disorders, gestational diabetes, migraine, epilepsy, or asthma. Also inform them if you have previously given birth four or more times.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Duratocin must never be given during pregnancy or before delivery. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Elderly Patients: Duratocin is not recommended for use in elderly patients.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Duratocin and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.
- Tell your doctor, pharmacist or midwife about any medicines, vitamins or supplements you buy without a prescription
Alcohol & Driving
Since Duratocin is given as a single injection in the hospital after childbirth, alcohol and driving considerations are not typically relevant during treatment.
Storage
Duratocin is usually stored at the hospital or pharmacy. It should be kept in the original container in a place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Any unused or expired medicine will be safely disposed of by the hospital.
Overdose Information
Since Duratocin is given as a single dose by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting, overdose is unlikely. If you experience any serious side effects after receiving the injection, seek immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duratocin is designed to work immediately after injection to help your womb contract and prevent bleeding after delivery.
No, Duratocin is given as a single dose of 100 micrograms (1 mL) immediately after your baby is delivered.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. They will advise you based on your specific situation.
Tell your doctor or midwife immediately if you notice any side effects. Serious side effects like allergic reactions, abnormal heart beat, chest pain, or fainting need urgent medical attention.
Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, including eclampsia and pre-eclampsia. They will determine if Duratocin is safe for you based on your specific condition.
Tell your doctor if you have previously given birth four or more times, as this may affect whether Duratocin is appropriate for you.
You must not receive Duratocin if you are allergic to oxytocin or carbetocin. Make sure to tell your healthcare team about any known allergies before delivery.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.