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:
viatocinon_cmi\Dec21/00