synthetic oxytocin

Consumer Medicine Information

This leaflet answers some common questions about Syntocinon.

It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

The information in this leaflet was last updated on the date listed on the final page. Some more recent information on the medicine may be available.

You should ensure that you speak to your pharmacist or doctor to obtain the most up to date information on the medicine.

Those updates may contain important information about the medicine and its use of which you should be aware.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you having Syntocinon against the benefits they expect it to provide.

If you have any concerns about this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet.

You may need to read it again.

Syntocinon can be used to bring on (induce) labour. It can also be used during and immediately after delivery to help the birth and to prevent or treat excessive bleeding.

Syntocinon is a man-made chemical that is identical to a natural hormone called oxytocin. It works by stimulating the muscles of the uterus (womb) to produce rhythmic contractions.

Syntocinon is not suitable in all situations – for example, if the baby or placenta are in the wrong position or if you have had a previous caesarean section or other surgery involving the uterus. Your doctor can give you more information on the suitability of Syntocinon in your particular case.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Syntocinon has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another purpose.

Syntocinon is only available with a doctor’s prescription. It is not addictive.

You must not have Syntocinon if:

your doctor thinks that inducing or enhancing contractions for normal labour and vaginal delivery would be unsuitable for you or your baby

there are maternal or foetal reasons for caesarean delivery

you have been given medicines called prostaglandins within the past 6 hours

you are allergic to oxytocin (the active ingredient) or any of the other ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

you are allergic to latex

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

shortness of breath

wheezing or difficulty breathing

swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body

rash, itching or hives on the skin.

Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure or any heart or kidney problems.

Your doctor may want to take extra precautions. For example, the amount of fluid you will be given may need to be reduced if you have a problem with your heart or kidneys.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.

Your doctor will want to know if you are prone to allergies.

Tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had, any of the following problems:

an abnormal electrical signal called “prolongation of the QT interval”

any other conditions that affect the heart

kidney problems

liver problems

Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines that may affect your heart, or any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Tell your doctor if you have been given anaesthetics or medicines called prostaglandins.

If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell him/her before you have Syntocinon.

To bring on (induce) or maintain labour, Syntocinon is given by intravenous infusion (drip). The speed of the infusion is set to maintain a pattern of contractions similar to normal labour. During the infusion, both you and your baby will be closely monitored to prevent complications.

If Syntocinon is needed at delivery or to prevent excessive bleeding, it can also be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) or by slow intravenous injection directly into a vein.

Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are having Syntocinon.

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

rash, itching or hives on the skin

swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other parts of the body (possible signs of a reaction called angioedema)

shortness of breath, wheezing or troubled breathing

headache

nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting

feeling drowsy and lethargic

pain in the abdomen that is different from labour pains

dizziness, light headedness or faintness

flushing of the face

chest pain

fast, slow or irregular heartbeat

excessive or continuous contractions

abnormal clotting or bleeding

low level of salt in the blood (shown in a blood test)

The above symptoms may be signs of allergy or signs of too much fluid associated with high doses or long infusions.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed above may happen in some people.

Syntocinon 5 IU or 10 IU is available in a glass ampoule containing 1 mL of a clear, colourless solution; 5 ampoules in a cardboard carton.

Each ampoule contains 5 or 10 International Units (IU) of oxytocin. It also contains:

sodium acetate

glacial acetic acid

chlorobutanol hemihydrate

ethanol

water for injections

Syntocinon is supplied in Australia by:

Mylan Health Pty Ltd

Level 1, 30 The Bond

30-34 Hickson Road

Millers Point NSW 2000

Australia

www.mylan.com.au 

Phone: 1800 314 527

 

^®= Registered Trademark

 

This leaflet was prepared in 05 November 2019

 

Australian Registration Numbers:

Syntocinon 5 IU AUST R 13395

Syntocinon 10 IU AUST R 13383