Indications
Follitropin Beta is a lab-made (recombinant) form of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In women it is used in fertility treatment to stimulate the ovaries to develop eggs, either to restore ovulation in women who do not ovulate, or to produce several eggs for assisted reproduction such as IVF. In men with low hormone levels it is used, usually with hCG, to help start or improve sperm production.
How It Works
FSH is a natural hormone made by the pituitary gland. In women it makes the follicles (small fluid sacs in the ovary that contain eggs) grow and mature. In men it acts on the testes to support sperm production. Follitropin Beta works in the same way as natural FSH.
Dosage and Administration
This is a specialist fertility medicine. It is injected under the skin (or sometimes into a muscle), usually once a day, often with a pen device. The dose and length of treatment are set by the fertility specialist and adjusted according to ultrasound scans and blood hormone tests in women, or semen tests in men. Use exactly as prescribed. The first injection is given or supervised by a doctor or nurse, and you may then be taught to inject yourself.
Interactions
It is used together with other fertility medicines such as hCG and GnRH agonists or antagonists, under specialist supervision; this can change the dose needed. No other important interactions are known. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
- Allergy to FSH or any ingredient
- Tumours of the ovary, breast, womb, testis, pituitary gland or hypothalamus
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome
- Early menopause or primary ovarian or testicular failure
- Physical problems of the reproductive organs that make pregnancy impossible
Side Effects
Common effects include injection site pain, bruising or swelling, headache, tummy pain, bloating and breast tenderness. In women, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries over-respond and fluid builds up in the abdomen, can occur. Multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and, rarely, blood clots are more likely after fertility treatment. Men may notice breast enlargement or acne.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe tummy pain or swelling, sudden weight gain, severe nausea or vomiting, passing very little urine, shortness of breath, chest pain, leg pain or swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It is used to help achieve pregnancy and is not used once pregnancy is established or during breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Treatment must be supervised by a fertility specialist with close monitoring. Thyroid, adrenal and prolactin problems should be treated first. Women with a personal or family history of blood clots need extra care. Report any symptoms of OHSS straight away.
Overdose
Too much can increase the risk of OHSS. Contact the fertility clinic at once if an extra dose is given.
Therapeutic Class
Gonadotropin (recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone), fertility hormone
Storage
Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze. Follow pack directions on how long it may be kept at room temperature after first use. Keep in the original pack to protect from light and 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.