This medication contains follicle-stimulating 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).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using
follitropin beta and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care
professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor. The injection is given in the thighs or abdomen. The dosage is
based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and
labs.
If the medication is stored in the refrigerator, allow
the medication to reach room temperature before use. Before using, check
this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not
use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to
inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection
site each time to lessen injury under the skin. To lessen bruising, do not
rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
The different follitropin products are not
interchangeable and the doses may be different. Do not switch to a
different brand or type without your doctor's approval.
Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor
to get the most benefit from it. Do not increase your dose or use this drug
more often or for longer than prescribed.
Headache, stomach pain, bloating, redness/pain at the
injection site, or breast tenderness/pain may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, muscle ache,
tiredness)
- bleeding from the vagina
- swelling of ankles/hands/feet
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- unusual sweating
- confusion
- sudden dizziness/fainting
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- sudden severe headache
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden vision changes
This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian
hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during or after
treatment. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the
stomach, chest, and heart area. Get medical help right away if you develop
the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal
(pelvic) area, severe nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or
decreased urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- 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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other products containing
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); or to streptomycin; or to neomycin; or
if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- abnormal bleeding from the vagina or uterus
- thyroid problems
- adrenal gland problems
- cancer of the reproductive organs (breast, uterus, ovary,
testis)
- tumor in the brain (such as pituitary tumor)
- ovarian cysts or enlargement
- other fertility problems (such as primary ovarian failure or
testicular failure)
- blood clots
- stroke
- certain heart diseases (such as angina, heart attack)
- lung problems (such as asthma)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Multiple births may occur because of this treatment.
Consult your doctor for more details.
Stop using this medication when you become pregnant.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you think you may be
pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as vaginal ultrasound,
hormone levels, semen test) may be done while you are using this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right
away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store the unused cartridge in the refrigerator. The
unused cartridge may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the
unused cartridge is stored at room temperature, discard after 3 months.
Once used, this product may be stored in the refrigerator or at room
temperature. Discard the used cartridge after 28 days. Keep the medication
in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.