This medication is a hormone used in boys (before
puberty) to cause the normal dropping of the testicles into the scrotum. It
is also used in certain boys to help with normal sexual development. It
works by causing the testes to release male sex hormones (such as
testosterone).
This medication is also used in women to treat fertility
problems. It is given after finishing another medication (menotropins) to
cause the release of an egg (ovulation). It should not be used in women
whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian
failure).
This medication has not been shown to be effective for
weight loss and should not be used for this purpose due to risk of serious
side effects.
This medication is given by injection into a muscle as
directed by your doctor. It is usually given by a health care professional.
For boys, it is usually used 3 times a week. For women, it is usually used
for 1 dose after finishing your menotropins treatment. The dosage is based
on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to
treatment.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional.
Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either
is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Headache, restlessness, tiredness, or pain at injection
site 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:
- swelling of the hands/ankles/feet
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, irritability)
- signs of early puberty in boys (such as facial/pubic hair,
voice change, acne)
- pain/swelling of the breast (in boys)
- unusual vaginal bleeding (women)
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.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- sudden severe headache
- confusion
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- sudden vision changes
- pain/redness/swelling in the legs
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 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:
- early puberty (in boys)
- blood clots
- heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack)
- high blood pressure
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung problems (such as asthma)
- migraine
- seizure disorder
- stroke
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- problems of the uterus
- unexplained ovarian cyst/enlargement
- certain type of fertility problem (primary ovarian
failure)
- thyroid problem
- adrenal gland problem
- cancer of the reproductive organs (breast, uterus, ovary,
prostate)
- brain tumor
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If
you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right
away.
When this medication is used in women to treat
infertility, it may cause multiple births (such as twins,
triplets).
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:
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(including luteinizing hormone-LH/follicle stimulating hormone-FSH levels),
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
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.
If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right
away for a new dosing schedule.
Store the vials of powder at room temperature away from
light and moisture. Store the mixed medication in the refrigerator.
Depending on your product, discard the unused mixed medication after 1 to 2
months. Check the product package for the storage time for your product.
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.