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follitropin beta - injection, Follistim

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GENERIC NAME: FOLLITROPIN BETA - INJECTION (foll-ih-TROH-pin)

BRAND NAME(S): Follistim

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication contains the hormone (FSH) and is used to treat certain fertility problems in women and men. In women, it helps stimulate healthy ovaries to produce eggs. This medication is usually used in combination with another hormone (hCG) to bring about the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation). In men, it helps stimulate healthy testes to produce sperm. It is also used in combination with hCG.This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure) or for men whose testes no longer make sperm properly (primary testicular failure).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting this medication and each time you get a refill of this medication because new information may be available. Learn all the preparation and usage instructions in the product package. You will be trained by a healthcare professional on how to properly use this medication. If any of the information is unclear, consult your healthcare professional.There are different follitropin products available, but they are not interchangeable, and the doses may be different. Do not switch to a different brand or type without your doctor's approval.Inject this medication under the skin or into a muscle as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site each time to avoid discomfort and problem areas under the skin.If the medication is stored in the refrigerator, allow the medication to warm to room temperature before use.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor in order to get the most benefit from it. Do not change the dose or use this drug for a longer period than prescribed unless instructed by your doctor.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, stomach pain, bloating, redness/pain at the injection site, breast tenderness/pain, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness), swelling of ankles/hands/feet, bleeding from the vagina.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision changes, sudden severe headache, pain/swelling of the calf muscles, chest pain, rapid breathing.This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during therapy or after treatment has been discontinued. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or a change in the amount of urine.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.