Now used for over a decade, Follistim, or the generic follitropin beta injection, contains the hormone (FSH) and is used to treat infertility in women, stimulating the ovaries to allow for the production of eggs. Typically, Follistism is a second resort for women who are resistant to clomid or have PCOS. This medication is used in conjunction with the hormone hCG (such as Ovidrel or Pregnyl) to facilitate growth for ovulation and the release of eggs. Follitopin beta is also usually used with a gonadotropin realeasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and/or antagonist for IVF protocols. GnRH agonist such as Lupron blocks the production of FSH and LH, and is administered 10-120 days in the previous cycle. GnRH antagonists such as Antagon/Ganirilex or Ctetrotide blocks the effect of GnRH, and is administered on the later part of the stimulation cycle.
Follistim can also be used in infertility treatments for men, as it helps stimulate the production of sperm in healthy testicles. Fillistim is not, however, readily recommended for women whose ovaries are no longer able to make eggs (primary ovarian failure) and similarly for men whose testicles no longer make sperm (primary testicular failure).
How to Use Follistim
A reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist prescribes Follistim as an estimate, and will later be dependent on the individual response; though the doctor will probably have a baseline dosage in mind that has a track record proven effective.
The protocol is started between cycle day 3 (CD3) to CD5. You will be trained on the proper way to administer the procedure, by injecting the medication under the skin or into a muscle. It is recommended that the patient change the location of the injection site each time Follistim is administered to avoid discomfort and other problems that could arise from over use.
After the treatment has been initiated, Follistim requires close response monitoring by sonogram and Estradiol blood tests every 2-3 days. The sonogram will allow doctors to determine the endometrium lining thickness and the follicle size and count. Bloodwork is also needed to determine the Estradiol (E2) levels, which every mature follicle will be expected to be around 200pc/ml. Levels greater than 3000 pc/ml are associated with Ovarian Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Throughout your use of Follistism, your doctor may adjust your dose based on your response, because a cycles dosage may be too low or decreased too late to produce follicles the desired size and quantity. An increase too much or too late might result in Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS). If the baseline or adjusted dosage does not works properly, you may need another Follistism cycle.
References
10 Things About Follistim. (2008). Retrieved from www.befruitfulsaga.com: http://befruitfulsaga.com/2008/08/18/10-things-about-follistim/
Drugs & Medications – follistim inj. (2005-2014). Retrieved from www.webmd.com: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4727-follistim+inj.aspx?drugid=4727&drugname=follistim+inj
follitropin beta – injection, Follistim. (2014, April 16). Retrieved from www.medicinenet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/follitropin_beta-injection/article.htm
