Appalachian District Health Department

Policy and Procedure Policy Name Clinical Protocols and Procedures Policy Topic High-Risk Maternity 17P Medication

Section 500

Approved Date:7-1-07

Chapter 550

Revised Date:

Purpose: To establish guidelines and procedures for the utilization of 17P for maternity patients at risk for pre-term labor. Policy: Maternity patients will be evaluated for risk of pre-term labor, such as a history of previous spontaneous birth at less than 37 weeks, and 17P (17 alphahydroxyprogesteron caproate) will be offered based on a written order from the attending physician, with the intention of reducing the risk of reoccurring pre-term birth. Procedure: 1. The attending physician will write an order for the patient to receive the medication. 2. Medication orders for patients with Medicaid as well as those who are uninsured may be placed on the website http://www.mombaby.org 3. Patient education will be provided to include the most common problems, such as soreness, irritation, itching, bruising, swelling, and pain that may occur at the injection site. 4. Patient will be counseled on the usefulness and importance of compliance with recommendations for injections on a regular schedule. 5. Patient will be scheduled for injection every 7 days. 6. If a patient misses a dose or is late for an injection, may restart the series within 5-9 days. 7. The medication will be stored at a 68 – 77 F in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. 8. After the injection, the patient will remain in the clinic for 15 minutes. 9. All injections will be documented in patient chart.

1|Clinical Protocols and Procedures –High Risk Maternity 17P Medication