GENERIC NAME: FOLLITROPIN ALFA - INJECTION (foll-ih-TROH-pin)
BRAND NAME(S): Gonal-F
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Follitropin alfa is a hormone used to treat fertility problems. It is used in combination with another hormone (hCG) to stimulate the ovaries in women or used alone to stimulate sperm production in men, depending on the type of fertility problem being treated by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously or SQ) usually once daily for women or 2 to 3 times per week for men; or use as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package and, if you have any questions about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, fever, chills; redness, swelling, itching, or pain at the injection site; nausea, headache, breast tenderness, vaginal breakthrough bleeding in women, or acne or tiredness in men may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: bloating, muscle pain, joint pain, swelling or pain in the arms or legs, stomach pain, unusual weight gain for women, breast pain or swelling in men. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusually fast heartbeat, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: abnormal vaginal bleeding, thyroid or adrenal gland problems, cancer/tumors or ovarian cysts/enlargement, any other fertility problems, any allergies you may have. Multiple births may occur as a result of this therapy. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Infertility - Infertility can be due to many causes. Some of the causes of infertility are for men, a sperm disorder. Infertility causes in women can be an ovulation disorder, blockage of the fallopian tubes, and hormonal defects.
- Pregnancy: Trying to Conceive - Read about trying to conceive (get pregnant) with a baby, such as charting your fertility pattern, reasons for infertility, and counseling and support groups.
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