Many women who has problems with ovulation will use Follitropin Alfa while enrolled in a fertility program (assisted reproductive technology [ART]) to help develop eggs, because it is virtually an identical substitute for the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by the pituitary gland. The drug also is used as fertility medication to help men with low sperm counts produce more and better quality sperm.

It is even often recommended by some doctors to have a patient treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) before starting treatment with Follitropin Alfa. GnRHa should be used in pretreatment to boost the amount of testosterone to the correct level, but be continued as long as the patient is taking Follitropin Alfa. GnRHa has the effect of reducing the amount of FSH released from the pituitary gland. In this way, the doctor can then replace the patient’s FSH with Follitropin Alfa in the proper amounts each day to achieve fertility.

How to Use Follitropin Alfa

In some cases, Follitropin Alfa can be administered as an injection at home. Besides fully understanding the instructions given by the doctor, before you inject, make sure that you wash your hands and that all your medical instruments are clean. Do not mix more or less medicine than your doctor ordered. Try to move the site of injection to different areas of the skin to prevent skin irritation from developing. Tell your doctor when you use the last dose of Follitropin Alfa because the hormone often requires that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) be given as a single dose the day after the last dose of Follitropin Alfa is administered.

In terms of dosage, the amount of medicine required to take depends on the strength of the medicine, and will be established by your healthcare professional. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take Follitropin Alfa, depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For treatment of female infertility, adults typically take about 75 international units (IU), injected under the skin once a day for approximately fourteen days. Your doctor may increase the dose at weekly intervals by 37.5 IU, up to a total dose of 300 IU once a day. Using Follitropin Alfa for longer than 14 days may be needed, but only if directed by your doctor. Report when you receive your last dose of Follitropin Alfa because you may be given an injection of hCG 24 hours later.

Some common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and feeling short of breath, swelling in your hands or legs, and weight gain.

References

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 Alfa (Subcutaneous Route). (2014, August 1). Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org: http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/follitropin-alfa-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20063905

Gonal-F (follitropin alfa). (2009, February 3). Retrieved from www.netdoctor.co.uk: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/pregnancy/medicines/gonal-f.html

Gonal-f RFF Side Effects Center. (2014). Retrieved from www.rxlist.com: http://www.rxlist.com/gonal-f-rff-side-effects-drug-center.htm