Follitropin Beta - Some Interactions which Occur

Type of Drug:

Gonadotropin; hormone that stimulates the ovaries; fertility drug.

How the Follitropin Beta Works:

Follitropin beta stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.

Uses of The Follitropin Beta:

For the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in women whose ovaries still work but cannot form eggs (ovulate) and as a result, are not fertile (unable to become pregnant).

To stimulate the development of multiple follicles in ovulatory patients undergoing Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART) (eg, in vitro fertilization).

Precautions:

Multiple births: Reports of multiple births have been associated with follitropin beta treatment. Discuss this with your doctor before starting therapy.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Mild to moderate ovarian enlargement, with or without bloating or stomach pain, may occur and generally goes away within 2 or 3 weeks after discontinuing this medicine. All patients who experience bloating or stomach pain should be examined for ovarian enlargement. If significant ovarian enlargement occurs after ovulation, do not engage in sexual intercourse.

Respiratory complications: Serious respiratory conditions (eg, difficulty breathing, worsening of asthma) and blood clotting have been reported.

Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if follitropin beta appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required during treatment. Tests may include blood hormone levels, ultrasound, and body temperature measurement.

Side Effects of the Follitropin Beta:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many factors beta users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Stomach pain; bloating; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Miscarriage; ovarian hyper stimulation; octopi pregnancy; ovarian cyst; pelvic pain; breast tenderness; heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding; infrequent urination.

Skin: Dry skin; rash; hair loss; hives.

Other: Rapid heart beat; fast or difficult breathing; headache; dizziness; muscle or joint pain; aches; body discomfort; fever; chills; flu-like symptoms; injection site pain; weight gain.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Visually inspect the solution for discoloration or particles. Use immediately after reconstitution (mixing). Discard any unused portion.
• Carefully follow the preparation and administration technique taught to you by your health care provider.
• For subcutaneous (beneath the skin) or intra muscular (into a muscle) injection only.
• Treatment with this drug requires close monitoring for over stimulation of the ovary. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, stomach pain or bloating, diarrhea, or infrequent urination.
• The couple should have intercourse daily, beginning on the day prior to human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration, until ovulation occurs. Take care to ensure insemination. However, intercourse should be prohibited in patients in whom significant ovarian enlargement occurs after ovulation.
• Multiple pregnancy is possible and poses potential hazards.
• Other causes of infertility will be excluded before this medicine is used.
• Monitor for signs of pregnancy before and during treatment. If pregnancy is suspected, contact your doctor.
• Lab tests will be required to monitor treatment. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store in refrigerator or at room temperature (36° to 77°F). Protect from light.

Tagged under:difficulty breathing, during pregnancy, Fertility Agents, follitropin beta, gonadotropin hormone, lab tests, ohss stomach pain