What is Hespan?
Hespan (hydroxyethyl starch) is made from natural sources. This medication increases the amount of blood plasma that can be lost due to severe injuries or bleeding. Plasma is required to circulate the red blood cells, which deliver oxygen throughout your body.Hespan can be used to treat and prevent hypovolemia. This is a decreased blood plasma volume (also called "shock") that may result from a traumatic injury, surgery, or severe blood loss.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Hespan.
Side effects of Hespan
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling in your throat.
If you:
- Wheezing (or gasping for air), rapid breathing, shivering, and anxiety
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Slow breathing and a weak pulse
- Chest pain, a fever, or chills
- Easy bruising or bleeding that won't stop
Some of the rare yet severe side effects may include:
- Severe headache; vision or speech problems; mental changes
- Eyelids that droop, facial tremors or tremors, trouble swallowing, or
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore neck; swelling of the face, tongue, or eyes; burning in the eyes. Then, a reddish or purple skin rash spreads, especially on your face and upper body, causing blistering and peeling.
Hespan may harm your kidneys. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: swelling, rapid or unusual weight gain, nausea, or vomiting.
Hespan can cause the following side effects:
- Itching on the skin or mild
- Mild headache
- Muscle pain;
- Swollen glands, mild flu symptoms
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to adverse events can be accomplished at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
This medication should not be taken if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or blood clotting problem, congestive heart failure, renal disease, or urination issues that are not caused by hypovolemia.Hespan may cause kidney damage. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: swelling, rapid or unusual weight gain, nausea, vomiting, or feeling short of breath; red or pink urine; or painful or difficult urination.
Before you take this drug
This medication should not be given to you if:
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- Kidney disease
- Congestive heart failure;
- Hypovolemia is not the cause of urination issues (decreased plasma volume).
Tell your doctor, if possible, before receiving Hespan if you:
- Liver disease
- A history of cardiovascular disease
- If you have an allergy to corn,
FDA pregnancy class C There is no information on whether Hespan can harm a developing baby. You should tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medication.It is unknown if hetastarch can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if your baby is breastfed.It may not be possible in an emergency to inform your caregivers of your health condition or whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Be sure to tell any doctor who is caring for you or your baby that you've received Hespan.
How to take Hespan?
Hespan can be injected through an IV into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.During treatment with Hespan, your vital signs, such as breathing, blood pressure and oxygen levels, kidney functions, and others, will be closely monitored. You will need to have your blood tested every day during treatment.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a Hespan dose because you will be receiving it in a clinic setting.
What happens if I overdose?
Hespan will be administered by a health professional in a medical environment, so an overdose should not occur.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Hetastarch may interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
