FOLLITROPIN ALFA
Background and Date of Approval
Follitropin Alfa is an ovulation stimulator that received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration on 29 September 1997.
Uses
Follitropin Alfa Injection is indicated to treat infertility in men and women. It induces healthy ovaries to produce egg in women and enhances mature sperm production in men.
How is it administered?
Follitropin Alfa is available as multidose syringe injection in the doses 75IU, 150IU, 225IU, 300IU, 900IU and 1200IU. Your healthcare provider will administer the injection through subcutaneous route.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Follitropin Alfa Injection are ovarian cyst, pelvic pain, gas, headache, nausea, stomach pain, bleeding between periods in women and skin problems, injection site pain, tiredness, breast enlargement and seborrhoea in men. If you experience any allergic reactions like swelling of face, shortness of breath, redness or itching after taking this medicine, report to your healthcare provider immediately.
Warnings
Follitropin Alfa Injection is not recommended for people who are hypersensitive to Follitropin Alfa or its ingredients. Before starting this treatment, the healthcare provider will conduct ultrasound scan of the ovaries for women and semen testing for men. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood pressure, heart function, liver and kidney parameters during this treatment to prevent complications. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been diagnosed with asthma, thrombosis, ovarian cyst, twisted ovaries, polycystic ovarian disease, or have undergone abdominal surgery in the past. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden bleeding, severe stomach pain, unusual bleeding, decreased urine output.
Precautions
Follitropin Alfa is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it has the tendency to cause fetal harm. Tell your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It is not known if Follitropin Alfa passes into the breast milk. If you are a breastfeeding mother, your health care provider will suggest whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue this treatment based on your condition.
Word of Advice
Maintain a well-balanced diet and ensure adequate hydration by consuming sufficient water. Inform your doctor of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.
References
EMD Serono Inc., [Revised on Dec 2020] [Accessed on 14th Oct 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020378s045,s067,s075lbl.pdf Roger K. Long, Hakan Cakmak, Hypothalamic & Pituitary Hormones, Lange's Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 667-686.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink coffee before taking Follitropin Alfa?
There are no known interactions between coffee and Follitropin Alfa, but minor side effects are still likely to occur. Discuss with your physician regarding the foods you should avoid while on treatment with Follitropin Alfa.
How long does it take for Follitropin Alfa to work?
Follitropin Alfa starts working within 11 to 20 hours of its administration but it may take months to notice effects.
How to store Follitropin Alfa?
Store Follitropin Alfa Injection between 2-8°C in a refrigerator or at a room temperature.
What is the success rate of Follitropin Alfa Injection?
The success rate of Follitropin Alfa Injection is approximately 30% after three to four cycles of treatment.
Does Follitropin Alfa cause weight gain?
While weight gain is not a side effect of Follitropin Alfa, gas and bloating are more likely to occur, which gives a larger appearance. This effect fades away once you stop taking the medication.
6. Who should not take Follitropin Alfa Injection?
Follitropin Alfa is not recommended for patients who have experienced allergic reaction to Follitropin Alfa or other ingredients, women with high FSH levels, abnormal vaginal bleeding, tumours, uncontrolled adrenal, thyroid or pituitary problems.
Is it safe to consume alcohol or smoke during Follitropin Alfa treatment?
Avoid smoking cigarettes and alcohol consumption while on treatment with Follitropin Alfa as it increases your risk of side effects.