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What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive hetastarch (Hespan, Hextend)?

You should not be given this medication if you are allergic to hetastarch, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• congestive heart failure;
• urination problems not caused by hypovolemia; or
• lactic acidosis.

Before you receive hetastarch, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• heart disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• diabetes;
• high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), or any other electrolyte imbalance; or
• if you are allergic to corn.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive hetastarch.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether hetastarch passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is hetastarch given (Hespan, Hextend)?

Hetastarch is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional will give you this medication.

To be sure hetastarch is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with hetastarch.

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