Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa)

Additional information

Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa)'s dosage depends on the condition (usual range: 75 IU - 450 IU per day). However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Administer under the skin (subcutaneously) in the abdomen, upper arm, or upper leg It is important to rotate the site of injection between each dose to minimize the risk of fat wasting at the site of injection. The contents of the vial should be administered using the calibrated syringes provided by the manufacturer. Do not shake the solution, allow any bubbles to settle prior to administration. Invert the needle and hold as if throwing a dart. With your other hand, gently squeeze the skin together to make a little elevation at the injection site. Using a "dart like motion", insert the needle at a 90 degree angle. Once the needle is inserted into the tissue all the way, inject the solution by pushing gently on the plunger with your thumb or index finger of the hand holding the syringe. Immediately withdraw the needle and clean the site with the clean side of the alcohol swab using a circular motion. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, contact your pharmacist.
 
WARNING: This medication may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities. It may also increase the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy (when the baby develops in one of the fallopian tubes (either of a pair of tubes along which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus) instead of in the uterus, which is the womb), it is important to have an early ultrasound to ensure that the baby is developing inside the uterus. Such fertility treatments may increase the chances of having multiple births (i.e., twins). Some women may experience ovarian enlargement associated with abdominal bloating or pain. In most cases, the bloating and pain stop without treatment within 2 or 3 weeks. Treatment with Gonal-F can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). With OHSS, too many follicles grow and cause abdominal or pelvic discomfort or pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain. Twisting of the ovary could cause the blood flow to the ovary to be cut off.
 
In addition to its desired action, Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause bloating, breast tenderness, or ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries).
It may cause pain or irritation at the injection site. 
It may cause nausea, diarrhea, headache, rash, or acne. 
 
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) products or any component of the formulation. Do not use in case of high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure (when the gonads (reproductive organs) fail to work efficiently), sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs (internal organs of the reproductive system), pituitary (gland in the brain) or hypothalamus (part of the brain) tumors, uncontrolled thyroid (gland in the neck), pituitary, or adrenal (gland on the kidneys) dysfunction, abnormal uterine (womb) bleeding of undetermined origin, or ovarian cysts or enlargement of undetermined origin.
 
Taking Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa) during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Pregnant women should not use this product. 
 
A treatment with Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa)