This medication is used to treat certain fertility
problems in women. It provides follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and
luteinizing hormone (LH) that help healthy ovaries to make eggs. This
medication is usually used in combination with another hormone (human
chorionic gonadotropin-hCG) to help you become pregnant by bringing about
the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation).
This medication is not recommended for women whose
ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian
failure).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before starting this medication
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 abdomen. The dosage and length
of treatment are based on your medical condition, response to treatment and
other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and
pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs,
nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Use the solution immediately after the medication is
mixed. 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
in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at
the same time each day. Do not change the dose or use this drug for a
longer period than prescribed unless instructed by your
doctor.
Headache, mild stomach pain/bloating, redness/pain at
the injection site, breast tenderness, or dizziness may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, notify 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, joint pain, muscle
ache, tiredness)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- sudden vision changes
- sudden severe headache
- pain/swelling of the calf muscles
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
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 or luteinizing hormone; 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)
- abnormal uterine/vaginal bleeding
- thyroid problems
- adrenal gland problems
- cancer of the reproductive organs (breast, uterus,
ovary)
- tumor in the brain (such as a pituitary tumor)
- ovarian cysts/enlarged ovaries (not due to polycystic ovary
syndrome)
- twisting of the ovary (ovarian torsion)
- personal/family history of blood clots
- blood clotting disorders (such as thrombophilia)
- obesity
- stroke
- certain heart diseases (such as heart attack)
- lung problems (such as asthma)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
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 blood hormone tests
such as estradiol level, vaginal ultrasound) should be done while you are
using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
Lifestyle changes that may help improve the effect of
this medication include limiting alcohol and stopping smoking. Consult your
doctor or pharmacist to discuss lifestyle changes that might benefit
you.
It is important to use this medication on a fixed
schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, contact
your doctor or pharmacist right away for instructions. Do not double the
dose to catch up.
Store the unmixed medication in the refrigerator or at
room temperature. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Discard any unused
portion after use. 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.