Indications
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) made from purified human urine, known as urofollitropin, is a fertility medicine. In women it is used to stimulate the ovaries to develop eggs, for example in women who do not ovulate (including those with polycystic ovary syndrome who have not responded to tablets) and during assisted reproduction such as IVF. In men it is sometimes used with another hormone (hCG) to stimulate sperm production in certain hormone deficiencies.
How It Works
FSH is a natural hormone made by the pituitary gland in the brain. In women it makes follicles (small fluid sacs in the ovary that contain eggs) grow and mature. In men it acts on the testes to support sperm production. The injected hormone supplements or replaces the body’s own FSH.
Dosage and Administration
Urofollitropin is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle, usually daily, by a doctor or nurse or by a patient trained to self-inject. The dose and length of treatment are set by the fertility specialist for each person and adjusted using ultrasound scans and blood hormone tests, as prescribed. Do not change the dose yourself.
Interactions
- Used together with other fertility medicines such as hCG, GnRH agonists or antagonists and Clomifene as part of a planned treatment; this may change the response, so the specialist adjusts doses.
- No other important drug interactions are known.
Contraindications
- Allergy to FSH or any ingredient.
- Pregnancy.
- Tumours of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
- Enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Cancer of the ovary, womb or breast; unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Primary ovarian failure, or womb problems (such as fibroids) that make pregnancy impossible.
- In men: primary testicular failure.
Side Effects
Common side effects include pain, redness or bruising at the injection site, headache, stomach pain or bloating, nausea, and pelvic discomfort. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries over-respond, can occur and may be serious. Treatment increases the chance of multiple pregnancy (twins or more) and may slightly raise the risk of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and blood clots.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe stomach pain or swelling, nausea and vomiting, rapid weight gain, reduced urine, shortness of breath, pain or swelling in a leg, chest pain, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Urofollitropin must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is used before pregnancy to help conception, under close specialist supervision.
Precautions and Warnings
- Regular ultrasound scans and hormone tests are essential to reduce the risk of OHSS and multiple pregnancy.
- Thyroid, adrenal and pituitary problems should be checked and treated before starting.
- Tell your doctor about any history or family history of blood clots.
Overdose
Too much FSH can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Contact the fertility clinic or seek medical help at once.
Therapeutic Class
Gonadotropin, fertility hormone (follicle stimulating hormone).
Storage
Store as directed on the pack, usually in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C or below 25°C depending on the product. Do not freeze. Protect from light and keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.