Procardia experiences?

I'm 30 weeks and was just put on Procardia XL for shortening cervix and frequent b/h contractions. I am so very happy to finally have something to stop the contractions, but now I'm reading that it's a cat. c drug. Anyone have any insights into this drug? I know the docs don't typically prescribe meds unless the benefits outweigh the risks, but we've come so far and I just want these little pumpkins to stay safe!!! Also, did you guys have a lot of side-effects with this drug?? Thanks!!!!!!

 

I took it starting at 24 weeks. Aside from feeling a little light headed the first few days, I didn't have any other side effects. GL!

 

I was started on Procardia at 26 weeks on an as needed basis and was on it for over a month with my 1st. Usage of Procardia for pre-term contractions is what they describe as "off label" since no drug company wants to go through the testing to make sure it is safe for pregnancy related complications for fear of lawsuits later. Therefore, they give it a cat. C rating because there is no safety data available but yet they know that it more than likely doesn't cause birth defects. At 30 weeks, I'm sure your dr feels the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are concerned, I would ask your dr more about it but Procardia is usually used 1st and then other drugs like Terbutaline and Mag are used but they have far more side effects and have the same category rating. When I do take my Procardia, I often have a headache and feel lightheaded since it is actually a blood pressure lowering drug and I already have low blood pressure. The best thing to do if you are feeling this way is to lay on your left side and when you get up, do so slowly. Usually the longer you take it, the better the side effects get. Good luck, hope it works for you!!

 

I've been taking Procardia 20 mg every 4 hours. At first it gave me a headache and made me dizzy (probably because my blood pressure normally runs low and Procardia lowers it also). The side effects have gone away now so I think they do get better over time. I'm not sure about it being a class C drug.. my Dr. didn't go over any risks of the medication with me so I assumed there were none. Anyways I'm assuming it is way better for me than the magnesium sulfate was and if it's going to keep the little ones in there until they're ready I think thats great. We've put off labor now since 27 weeks so I'm soo happy we have made it to 31 weeks today!!

 

I've been on Procardia since 25 weeks (or maybe even a little earlier?). I am now 32 1/2 weeks. I am worried about the effects on the babies as well, and plan on talking to my doc on Friday. Mainly about lowering my dose, I take Procardia XL 60, three times a day. That seems excessive to me, especially now that we are a bit further along. I haven't had any side effects myself from it, though, so that's been good!

 

I took it off/on from weeks 21 to delivery at 31.6.

I did not notice any side effects except maybe some dizziness. It was MUCH better than terbutaline or Mag Sulfate. Although, I should add it was not very effective for me at all---I only took it when I had to day a few days 'off' of Terbutaline or after a Mag sulfate drip (Magnesium Sulfate is the worst).

I took a ton of meds to help alleviate PTL, my girls were born a good weight and did well for their gestational age.

 

Hi, I was on procardia from 24 weeks until 35 weeks (along with every other drug at times). I'm sure it helped me keep our twins in until viability, and beyond. I'm so thankful. I felt dizzy when I first started taking it, but then my body adjusted after a while (maybe a week or two?). My twins are healthy and doing well. Hope it helps you and your twins stay snuggled inside!

 

I took it from 22 weeks until 31 weeks (when I delivered). I had no side effects at all, other than my BP was always quite low (but it is naturally low anyways). It never got in a dangerous range, but once in a while the nurses would ask if I was feeling okay when they got a lower reading.

It helped calm the contractions for me. One thing they told me was that you could not drink grapefruit juice with it. No idea why...

 

I look forward to reading your replies. I was also rx'd this last week. I haven't used it yet, but also wondered more about it. I do know my OB told me it could NOT be taken within the same 8hr. It lowers your blood pressure a lot and be careful when going from sitting to standing so not to pass out. Light head and dizzy. If it doesn't stop the contractions go to L&D.

 

Thank you so much for everyone's replies. We started taking it last Tuesday night and I feel like it has somewhat worked. The frequency of contractions has definitely not decreased, but the intensity isn't as bad in the evenings for the most part. I go back to the doctor on Tuesday, so I'm wondering if there will be more change. I haven't decreased my workload yet, but will if we need to. Thanks ladies!

 

I started taking procardia at 30 weeks due to PTL and dilation.I started 1 pill every 12 hours and then I was increased to 4 times a day after 32 weeks.I stopped taking at 36 weeks 5 days(the night before I was induced).I never noticed any side effects.

 

I have been taking 20 mg of Procardia every 4 hrs since 26 weeks and also Terbutaline 2.5 mg every 4hrs since then due to PTL. I really have no side effects from either med. and they have been helping to decrease the frequency and intensity of my contractions. Hope it helps you as well!! I surely wish I didn't have to take any meds but will anything to keep them cooking longer

 

I also started taking it around 22 weeks and took it until I delivered at 34 weeks. I had a few head aches in the beginning but after a few days I felt fine.

 

I took it every 4 hours starting at week 19 (b/c of TTTS) all the way to week 36. No side effects to my babies! They are perfect but side effects with me where sleepiness & I'm pretty sure it messed with my blood sugars. I researched the side effects to the babies alot so you can quit worrying - good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!