synthetic oxytocin
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about VIATOCINON. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or nurse.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you being given VIATOCINON against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, ask your doctor or nurse.
Keep this leaflet with this medicine. You may need to read it again.
What VIATOCINON is used for
VIATOCINON is 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.
VIATOCINON 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.
VIATOCINON 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 this medicine for you.
Ask your doctor or nurse if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Before you are given VIATOCINON
When you must not be given it
Do not take VIATOCINON if you have an allergy to:
- any medicine containing oxytocin
- latex
- any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
Some of the 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
You must not be given VIATOCINON 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
If you are not sure whether you should be given this medicine, talk to your doctor or nurse.
Before you are given it
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
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 have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
- an abnormal electrical signal called “prolongation of the QT interval”
- any other conditions that affect the heart
- kidney problems
- liver problems
If you have not told your doctor or nurse about any of the above, tell them before you are given VIATOCINON.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and VIATOCINON may interfere with each other.
Tell your doctor if you have been given any anaesthetics or medicines called prostaglandins.
How VIATOCINON is given
To bring on (induce) or maintain labour, VIATOCINON 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 VIATOCINON is needed for delivery or to prevent excessive bleeding, it can also be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) or by slow intravenous injection directly into a vein.
How much will you be given
Your doctor will decide what dose of VIATOCINON you will receive, depending on your pattern of contractions.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given VIATOCINON.
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.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or nurse to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following:
- rash, itching or hives on the skin
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body
- 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
- 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 or nurse if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may happen in some people.
Storage
VIATOCINON will be stored in the pharmacy or on the hospital ward at 2 to 8°C in the refrigerator and will be protected from light.
Product description
What it looks like
VIATOCINON is a solution for injection which is a clear colourless solution contained in a clear glass ampoule. There are 5 ampoules per pack.
Ingredients
Each ampoule contains 10 International Units of oxytocin as the active ingredient.
The solution also contains:
- sodium acetate trihydrate
- glacial acetic acid
- sodium hydroxide
- water for injections
Distributor
VIATOCINON is distributed by:
Viatris Pty Ltd
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
www.viatris.com.au
Phone: 1800 314 527
This leaflet was prepared in December 2021.
Australian Registration Numbers:
AUST R 164131
viatocinon_cmiDec21/00
Published by MIMS January 2022