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. Take the carton out of the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before use to let it warm to room temperature. Do not shake the pen, as this may cause air bubbles to appear in the medication. Take off the pen cap. Wipe the end of the threaded tip (containing the rubber center) using an alcohol swab. Get a new needle – only use the “single-used” needles supplied. Attach the needle to the pen. Turn the dose setting knob forward (or clockwise) until your prescribed dose shows in the Dose Display. Clean the skin by wiping the area with an alcohol swab. Holding the pen in one hand, Use your other hand to gently squeeze the skin together to make a raised area at the injection site. Insert the needle at a 90 degrees angle into the skin. Press the dose knob down as far as it will go and hold it to complete the full injection. 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)