Indications
Follitropin Alfa is a laboratory-made (recombinant human) follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH. It is used in fertility treatment: to stimulate egg development in women who do not ovulate, to help develop several eggs for assisted reproduction such as IVF or ICSI, together with luteinising hormone in women with very low natural hormone levels, and to stimulate sperm production in men with certain hormone deficiencies.
How It Works
FSH is a natural hormone made by the pituitary gland. In women it makes the follicles in the ovaries, which contain the eggs, grow and mature. In men, given with hCG, it supports sperm production in the testes. Follitropin Alfa works the same way as the body’s own FSH.
Dosage and Administration
It is given as an injection under the skin, usually once a day. The dose and length of treatment are set individually by a fertility specialist, as prescribed, and adjusted using ultrasound scans and blood hormone tests. Patients are trained to inject at home; the first injection is often given under supervision.
Interactions
It is usually used together with other fertility medicines such as Clomiphene, hCG, Luteinising Hormone or GnRH agonists and antagonists, which may change the dose needed. No other important interactions are known, but tell your specialist about all medicines and supplements you take.
Contraindications
- Tumours of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
- Enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Cancer of the ovary, womb or breast.
- Primary ovarian or testicular failure, where the organs cannot respond.
- Physical conditions that make pregnancy impossible, such as some malformations of the womb.
- Allergy to Follitropin Alfa or any ingredient.
Side Effects
Common side effects include pain, redness or bruising at the injection site, headache, ovarian cysts, stomach pain, bloating, nausea and diarrhoea. In men, breast enlargement, acne and weight gain may occur.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe lower stomach pain or swelling, rapid weight gain, passing very little urine, vomiting or shortness of breath (signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), or pain and swelling in a leg or chest pain (possible blood clot).
Pregnancy and Lactation
It is not used once pregnancy has begun. It is not used during breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Treatment must be supervised by a fertility specialist with regular scans and blood tests.
- There is a higher chance of twins or more, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy with fertility treatment.
- Women with risk factors for blood clots, or with thyroid, adrenal or pituitary problems, need these addressed first.
Overdose
Too much may cause ovarian hyperstimulation. Contact your fertility clinic straight away if you inject more than prescribed.
Therapeutic Class
Gonadotropin (recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone), fertility agent
Storage
Store 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. Some pens may be kept at room temperature for a limited time: follow the pack instructions.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.