Hetastarch

What it is used for

6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated in the treatment of hypovolemia when plasma volume expansion is desired in settings where adequate alternative treatment is unavailable. It is not a substitute for blood or plasma.

The adjunctive use of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection in leukapheresis has also been shown to be safe and efficacious in improving the harvesting and increasing the yield of granulocytes by centrifugal means.

Side effects, and when to stop

Serious adverse reactions reported in postmarket clinical trials include increased mortality and AKI (including need for RRT) in critically ill subjects, including subjects with sepsis, and surgical subjects. Clinical trials have also shown increased mortality and AKI in blunt trauma subjects. Increased coagulopathy was reported in surgical subjects.

Most common adverse reactions are hypersensitivity, coagulopathy, hemodilution, circulatory overload and metabolic acidosis.

Who should not take it

Do not use HES products, including 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, unless adequate alternative treatment is unavailable.

Other medicines and interactions

6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection should be used with caution in patients who have been anticoagulated with other drugs that negatively influence the coagulation system.

• The safety and compatibility of other additives have not been established.

2 dosage and administration

Dosage for Acute Use in Plasma Volume Expansion

6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is administered by intravenous infusion only. Total dosage and rate of infusion depend upon the amount of blood or plasma lost and the resultant hemoconcentration.