The drug Menopur is used to treat certain fertility problems in women. It is made of a combination of gonadotropins, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH), extracted and purified from the urine of postmenopausal women. In conjunction with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Menopur can help a woman become pregnant by multiple follicular development (controlled ovarian stimulation). It can also incite ovulation in patients who have received pituitary suppression in previous treatments. This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly i.e. primary ovarian failure.
Menopur does not only stimulate the development of multiple eggs for in vitro fertilization for women, but is likewise used to stimulate the production of sperm in men who have functioning testes but in whom hormonal stimulation is deficient.
How to use Menopur
The formula of Menopur comes in the form of a sterile, lyophilized powder intended for subcutaneous injections. Each vial of Menopur contains 75 International Units if FSH activity and 75 International Units of LH activity.
Menopur is meant to be injected under the skin of the lower abdomen a few inches above your naval, exactly directed by your doctor who will precisely train you on how administer the medication. Each day, a patient should switch to the alternate side of the lower abdomen to prevent soreness.
The dosage and treatment are based on many factors, including your medical condition, response to therapy, and in accordance to other medications you are taking. It is, however, recommended by the manufacturer that your dose does not exceed 450 international units (IU) per day and that Menopur not be used for more than the 20 day per treatment cycle. Once the dose of medication has been prepared, it should be used immediately. Discard any unused material after use. Do not use your injectable solution if it appears cloudy, lumpy, or discolored.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
References
Drugs & Medications – menopur subq. (2005-2014). Retrieved from www.webmd: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-92878-menopur+subq.aspx
Menopur. (1996-2014). Retrieved from www.chealth.canoe.ca: http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=4803
Menopur. (2014, February 2). Retrieved from www.rxlist.com: http://www.rxlist.com/menopur-drug.htm
