This medication is used to help women with fertility
problems get pregnant. It is generally used in combination with 2 other
hormones (FSH and hCG). Lutropin alfa provides luteinizing hormone (LH),
which together with FSH helps your body get an egg ready for ovulation to
help you get pregnant.
This medication is not recommended for women whose
ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian
failure).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using lutropin alfa 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, usually once daily. The injection is given in the abdomen or
upper thigh. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment. Lutropin alfa is usually given at the same time as FSH. The dose
of hCG is usually given 1 day after the last dose of LH and FSH. Follow
your doctor's instructions carefully to make sure these medications are
timed properly.
If the medication and the solution used to mix it are
refrigerated, take them out of the refrigerator to allow them to reach room
temperature before mixing. After mixing, gently swirl to completely
dissolve the powder. Do not shake. Use the mixed medication right away. Do
not save for future 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.
Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor
to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same
time as scheduled. Do not change the dose unless instructed by your doctor,
and do not use this drug for a longer period than
prescribed.
Usually, daily sexual intercourse is recommended
beginning on the day before the hCG hormone is given and continuing until
clear signs of ovulation occur (such as a rise in basal body temperature).
Follow your doctor's instructions.
Redness/pain at the injection site, headache, tiredness,
or mild nausea 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:
- bloating
- pain/swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area
- unusual vaginal bleeding
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- vision changes
- sudden/severe headache
- pain/swelling of the calf muscles
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- swelling of ankles/hands/feet
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 lutropin alfa, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other products containing
luteinizing hormone (LH); 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:
- other fertility problems (such as primary ovarian
failure)
- thyroid or adrenal gland problems
- cancer of the reproductive organs (such as breast, uterus,
ovary)
- tumor in the brain (such as pituitary tumor)
- abnormal bleeding from the uterus/vagina
- unexplained ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries
- blood clots
- stroke
- certain heart problems (such as heart attack)
- liver disease
- 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. It may harm an unborn
baby. 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,
blood hormone tests such as estradiol levels) should 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 in the refrigerator or at room temperature away
from light and heat. 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.