FOLLITROPIN ALFA

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gonal-F

GENERIC NAME(S): FOLLITROPIN ALFA, RECOMB

Description: Follitropin alfa is a human Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) preparation. It stimulates ovaries to produce eggs and increases sperm count in men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.

Onset: Peak effect: Spermatogenesis, median: 165 days (range: 25-327 days). Follicle development: within cycle.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Bioavailability: About 66-76% in healthy female volunteers.

Excretion: Half-life elimination (healthy female): 50 hr (IM) and 24 hr (SC).

Uses

This medication is used to treat certain fertility problems in women. It provides the hormone (FSH) that helps cause the ovaries to produce eggs. This medication is usually used in combination with another hormone (hCG) for the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation).

This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).

How to use follitropin alfa subcutaneous:

This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid discomfort or problem areas under the skin. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

Inject this medication under the skin or into a muscle, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor.

Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will do blood/medical tests (e.g., estradiol blood levels, ultrasound) to find the right dose for you and to decide when to inject the next medication (hCG).

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Warnings

Pregnancy Risk: Category X (Not for use in pregnancy)

Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking follicle stimulating hormone:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain that is severe
bloating
diarrhea
severe nausea or vomiting
stomach or pelvic discomfort, aching, or heaviness
weight gain that is rapid

Less common

Heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding
redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
unusual tiredness or weakness

Some of the side effects that can occur with follicle stimulating hormone may not need medical attention:

More common

Blemishes on the skin
headache
pimples

Less common

Body aches or pain
chills
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
dizziness
dry skin
fast or racing heart
fever
hair loss
hives
quick or shallow breathing
rash

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: other fertility problems (e.g., primary ovarian failure), abnormal bleeding from the vagina/uterus, thyroid problems, adrenal gland problems, cancer of the reproductive organs (e.g., breast, uterus, ovary), tumor in the brain (e.g., pituitary tumor), ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries (not due to polycystic ovary syndrome).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood clots, polycystic ovarian syndrome, stroke, certain heart diseases (e.g., angina, heart attack), lung problems (e.g., asthma).

Multiple births may occur as a result of this treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits of having such a pregnancy with your doctor.

Stop using this medication when you become pregnant. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible harm to a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include: clomiphene, gonadorelin.

Overdose & Brands

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood hormone tests such as estradiol level, liver tests, ultrasound) should be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is important to keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments so your doctor can closely monitor your response to help reduce the risk of serious side effects and determine the timing of your hCG dose.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store the unmixed medication in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C). Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Use immediately after mixing. Discard any unused liquid. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands

Available Brands

Gonal-f [ Merck ]