Follitropin Beta is a synthetic hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)—a glycoprotein hormone which is manufactured by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology—and used to treat infertility in both men and women. FSH is produced in the body’s pituitary gland and help to develop eggs in the ovaries of women and testosterone in the testes of men. When Follitropin Beta replaces the natural FSH in a woman’s body, the drug will help develop her eggs. Follitropin may also be used to cause the ovary to produce several follicles, which can then be harvested for use in gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
How Follitropin Beta Works
Follitropin Beta is synthesized in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line that has been transfected with a plasmid. It contains the two subunit DNA sequences encoding for hFSH, the dimeric structure containing two glycoprotein sub units (alpha and beta). The process of purifying results with a consistent hFSH isoform profile and highly specific biological activity, determined by measuring the increase in ovary weight in female rats. The compound is considered to be devoid of intrinsic luteinizing hormones (LH) activity, with less than 1 UI per 40,000 IU FSH in the Follitropin Beta. The tertiary structure and amino acid sequence of Follitropin Beta are almost identical to that of human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH). Further, the ogliosaccharide side chains are very similar, but not completely identical to that of natural FSH. However, these small differences do not affect the bioactivity compared to natural FSH. And based on the available data, Follitropin Beta and Follitropin Alfa are also indistinguishable. More recent studies show, however, that there is may be a slight clinical difference, with the alpha form resulting in a higher pregnancy rate, but with significantly higher estradiol (E2) levels.
How to Use the Follitropin Beta
There are different follitropin products available, but they are not interchangeable, and the doses may be different. Do not switch to a different brand or type without your doctor’s approval. This is why you need to read the patient information leaflet before taking this type of medication because new information may be available and differ from the various brands and forms. You will be trained by a healthcare professional on how to properly use this medication. Follitropin Beta should be injected under the skin or into a muscle as directed by your doctor, with a dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Before handling the medication and using the syringes, wash your hands with soap and water, and clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Also, check the product thoroughly to make sure there is no discoloration or particles in the liquid. If so, simply discard the medication. It is important to change the location of the injection site each time to avoid discomfort and problem areas under the skin. Buildup of fluid in the chest area or stomach sometimes occurs in women using this medication, a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and can be life-threatening. Symptoms such as severe pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating, are symptoms of OHSS. Also, look for a swelling of the feet and hands, and be aware of a shortness of breath. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
References
Drugs & Medications – follitropin beta inj. (2005-2014). Retrieved from www.webmd.com: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4731-follitropin+beta+inj.aspx?drugid=4731&drugname=follitropin+beta+inj Follitropin Beta (Injection). (2014, July 1). Retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0010381/?report=details Follitropin Beta (Subcutaneous Route). (2014, August 1). Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org: http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/follitropin-beta-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20063913 Follitropin beta. (2014 , July 29). Retrieved from www.drugbank.ca: http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00066
