Follitropin Alfa

Gonadotrophin including Other Ovulation Stimulant · Gonadotrophin

Indications

Female: Anovulatory infertility unresponsive to clomiphene. Multifollicular stimulation in superovulation for IVF, GIFT and ZIFT. In conjunction with LH for severe LH and FSH deficiency. Male: In conjunction with hCG therapy to stimulate spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Dosage

Female: Anovulation: Adults: Initially usually 75-150 IU daily by SC Inj. Monitor response. Superovulation: Adults: Usually 150-225 IU daily by SC Inj starting on day 2 or 3 of cycle usually 2 wk after starting GnRH agonist treatment. Monitor response. See literature. Male: Adults: 150 IU three times a wk by SC inj for a minimum of 4 mth. Monitor semen samples after 4-6 mth; treatment for 18 mth or more may be necessary. Children: Not applicable.

Administration

Administer by SC. Reconstitution: Single-dose ampoule: Dissolve the contents of one or more ampoules in 0.5-1 mL SWFI (conc. should not exceed 225 IU/0.5 mL). Multi-dose vial: Dissolve the contents of multi-dose vial with the contents of pre-filled syringe (bacteriostatic WFI). Do not shake. Use within 28 days. Stability: Store powder refrigerated or at room temperature, 2°C-25°C (36°F-77°F). Protect from light.

Adverse Effects

Female: Ovarian hyperstimulation. Multiple pregnancy. Allergic reactions. Male: Gynaecomastia, acne, weight gain.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Female: Pituitary or hypothalamus tumours. Ovarian, uterine or mammary carcinoma. Ovarian cyst or enlargement not associated with PCOD. Male: Primary testicular insufficiency. Precautions: Female: Exclude anatomical abnormalities. Monitor ovarian size and oestrogen response to avoid hyperstimulation.

Advice to Patient

If you are self-administering this medication, follow directions for administration and needle disposal. Administer exactly as directed. Contact prescriber immediately if there is abdominal pain or discomfort; constant nausea; vomiting; diarrhoea; shortness of breath; difficulty in breathing; bloating; worsening of asthma; swelling, pain, redness of ankles/feet/hands; painful urination; irregular menstrual bleeding; acute back pain; rash, swelling or inflammation at injection site. Inform prescriber if a dose is missed. Have lab tests and ultrasounds done as recommended by prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Slowly absorbed. Bioavailability: Absolute: 70%-80%. Half-life elimination: Terminal: 12-70 hrs. Time to peak: Male: 11-20 hrs. Female: 8-16 hrs. Excretion: Urine (1/8th of the dose).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.