This medication contains follicle-stimulating hormone
(FSH) and is used to treat certain fertility problems in women. Follitropin
alfa helps stimulate healthy ovaries to produce eggs. This medication is
usually used in combination with another hormone (hCG) to bring about 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).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using
follitropin alfa and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care
professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin or into a muscle
as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. The injection is given in
the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen. Your doctor may direct you to use this
medication in a treatment cycle (for example, only on certain days each
month). The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to
treatment, and labs.
Once mixed, use the liquid right away. Do not shake the
vial. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If
either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean
the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing
alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the
skin. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn
how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor
to get the most benefit from it. Do not increase your dose or use this drug
more often or for longer than prescribed.
Headache, mild stomach/abdominal pain, bloating,
redness/pain at the injection site, or breast tenderness/pain may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- bleeding from the vagina/uterus
- swelling of ankles/hands/feet
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- unusual sweating
- confusion
- sudden dizziness/fainting
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- sudden severe headache
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden vision changes
This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian
hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during or after
treatment. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the
stomach, chest, and heart area. Get medical help right away if you develop
the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal
(pelvic) area, severe nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or
decreased urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other products containing
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); 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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other fertility problems (such as primary ovarian
failure)
- abnormal bleeding from the vagina/uterus
- thyroid problems
- adrenal gland problems
- cancer of the reproductive organs (such as breast, uterus,
ovary)
- tumor in the brain (such as pituitary tumor)
- ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries
- blood clots
- stroke
- certain heart diseases (such as angina, heart attack)
- lung problems (such as asthma)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Multiple births may occur as a result of this treatment.
Consult your doctor for more details.
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 right away.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as vaginal ultrasound,
hormone levels, liver tests) may be done while you are using this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right
away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature away
from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medications 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.