Indications
Lutropin Alfa is a lab-made (recombinant) form of luteinising hormone (LH). It is used together with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to stimulate the development of eggs in women who have a severe lack of both LH and FSH (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). It is also available combined with Follitropin Alfa in a single injection.
How It Works
In the ovary, LH works with FSH to help follicles (the small sacs that hold the eggs) grow and to make oestrogen. Women whose own LH is very low cannot develop follicles properly with FSH alone. Giving Lutropin Alfa replaces the missing LH so that the follicle can mature; ovulation is then usually triggered with a separate hCG injection.
Dosage and Administration
This is a specialist fertility medicine. It is injected under the skin once a day, together with FSH, for a period decided by the fertility doctor based on ultrasound scans and hormone tests. 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 at home.
Interactions
It is designed to be used with FSH and hCG under specialist supervision. No other important interactions are known. Do not mix it in the same syringe with other medicines unless the product information allows it. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
- Allergy to LH, FSH or any ingredient
- Tumours of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
- Cancer of the ovary, womb or breast
- Enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Conditions in which pregnancy is not possible, such as early menopause or certain womb abnormalities
Side Effects
Common effects include headache, injection site reactions, tummy pain, nausea, bloating, breast pain and ovarian cysts. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries over-respond and fluid builds up in the abdomen, can happen. Fertility treatment also increases the chance of multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and, rarely, blood clots.
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 regular scans and blood tests. Thyroid, adrenal and prolactin problems should be treated before starting. Women with a personal or family history of blood clots need extra care. Report any symptoms of OHSS at once.
Overdose
Effects of overdose are not well known; too much hormone may increase the risk of OHSS. Contact the fertility clinic straight away if an extra dose is given.
Therapeutic Class
Gonadotropin (recombinant luteinising hormone), fertility hormone
Storage
Store as directed on the pack, usually in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze. 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.