Foligen for Injection

Indications

Urofollitropin is a fertility medicine containing purified follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is used in women having assisted reproduction such as IVF or ICSI, to help several eggs develop in the ovaries at the same time, and in women who do not ovulate (for example with polycystic ovary syndrome) and have not responded to Clomifene, to help one egg mature. In some men with low pituitary hormones (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), it may be used together with hCG to help sperm production.

How It Works

FSH is the natural hormone, made by the pituitary gland, that tells the ovaries to grow follicles (small fluid sacs that each contain an egg). Urofollitropin is FSH purified from the urine of women after menopause. Given by injection, it boosts follicle growth. When the follicles are ready, a separate trigger injection (usually hCG) is given to complete egg maturation and release. In men, FSH supports the cells in the testes that produce sperm.

Dosage and Administration

Dose as prescribed by a fertility specialist. It is given as an injection under the skin or into the muscle, usually once daily. The dose and length of treatment are adjusted according to ultrasound scans of the ovaries and blood hormone tests. You may be taught to inject yourself at home; follow the clinic's instructions exactly, use each vial or pen as directed, and dispose of needles safely.

Interactions

Clomifene and other ovulation-stimulating medicines can increase the ovarian response. GnRH agonists or antagonists, often used in the same treatment cycle, may change the dose of Urofollitropin 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 failure (the ovaries cannot respond).
• Malformations of the reproductive organs or fibroids that make pregnancy impossible.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• In men: primary testicular failure.
• Allergy to Urofollitropin or any ingredient.

Side Effects

Common: pain, redness, bruising or swelling at the injection site, headache, bloating, lower abdominal pain, nausea and breast tenderness. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur, in which the ovaries over-respond and fluid builds up in the abdomen. Treatment increases the chance of twins or more, and of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Rarely, blood clots or twisting of an enlarged ovary occur. Men may notice breast enlargement or acne.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe pain or swelling of the abdomen, rapid weight gain, nausea or vomiting, passing little urine, or breathlessness (signs of OHSS); pain or swelling in a leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness (possible blood clot); or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Urofollitropin must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Treatment stops once pregnancy is confirmed, and further care is guided by your specialist.

Precautions and Warnings

• Treatment must be supervised by a fertility specialist with regular scans and blood tests.
• Thyroid, adrenal and prolactin problems should be checked and treated before starting.
• Risk of multiple pregnancy should be discussed beforehand.
• Tell your doctor about personal or family history of blood clots, obesity or smoking.
• Do not drive if you feel dizzy or unwell.

Overdose

Too much may cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Contact your fertility clinic at once if you have injected more than prescribed or have abdominal pain, swelling or breathlessness.

Therapeutic Class

Gonadotrophin (follicle-stimulating hormone); fertility medicine.

Storage

Store as directed on the pack; many products are kept in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze. Keep in the original carton to protect from light and out of the reach of children. Use once reconstituted, or as the leaflet directs.