Volume Expanders - Pentaspan® & Voluven®

Pentaspan®

What is it?

Pentaspan is a man-made medication that is used to increase the volume of your blood. It does NOT contain any human blood components.

How is it given?

It is given to you directly into your blood using a tube during your surgery.

What are the benefits?

Pentaspan is helpful when you need to have more volume in your blood. A larger volume will be helpful if you have low blood pressure.

What are the risks or side effects?

This medication may lower the amount of hemoglobin (the part of blood that carries oxygen), platelets (red blood cell pieces used in blood clotting), or Factor VIII (protein used in blood clotting). You may also have nausea, headaches, tiredness, weight gain, swelling or allergic reactions.

Voluven®

What is it?

Voluven is a man-made medication that is used to expand the volume of your blood. It does NOT contain any human blood components.

How is it given?

It is given to you directly into your blood using a tube during your surgery.

What are the benefits?

Voluven is helpful when you need to have more volume in your blood. A larger volume is helpful if you have low blood pressure.

What are the risks or side effects?

This medication may lower your hemoglobin (the part of your blood that carries oxygen), platelets (red blood cell pieces used in blood clotting) or Factor VIII (protein used in blood clotting). You may also have nausea and itching.