Puregon contains Follitropin Beta, which falls in a class of medications called gonadotropins. The Follitropin Beta in Puregon contains a hormone similar to the naturally occurring hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). It can be used as fertility medication in both men and women. In women, Puregon can be used when FSH levels are low or as part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such in-vitro fertilization. Follitropin beta causes eggs to become mature and ready for release by the ovary.
How to Use Puregon
The Puregon solution comes in the form of injection cartridges containing 833 IU/ml, and containing Follitropin Beta (recombinant FSH) 50 IU or 100 IU. Your doctor, however, will determine your dosage, as each individual will have their own response which will be adjusted according to the results of ultrasounds and/or blood tests. Many different factors can affect the dosage prescribed, such as body weight, or other medical conditions and medications in use.
In inducing ovulation, doctors will usually prescribe an initial dose of 50 IU of Follitropin Beta to be given daily for about 7 to 14 days. The medication is then stopped after a satisfactory response is achieved. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is then given to trigger ovulation.
For women involved in ART procedures, the usual initial dose recommended is between 150 IU to 225 IU. Follitropin Beta is given daily for a period of 4 days, adjusted according to the response, and then continued for 6 to 12 days. After an adequate response has been achieved, the medication is then discontinued in order to start HCG, inducing ovulation.
To treat infertility in men, doctors will typically prescribe a dose of 150 IU, 3 times a week or a 225 IU regimen twice a week. Usually this continues for at least 3 to 4 months and is administered in combination with the medication hCG.
The side effects for taking Puregon are typically very low, with about 1% of patients reporting incidents. Many of these side effects are easily managed, and some may even go away on their own over time. Some side effects reported are aches and pain, breast tenderness, chills, dry skin, fatigue and headaches. And although most of these side effects are rare, they could turn serious if you do not tell your doctor.
References
PART III: CONSUMER INFORMATION PUREGON. (2009, August 29). Retrieved from www.merck.ca: http://www.merck.ca/assets/en/pdf/products/ci/Puregon-CI_E.pdf
Puregon (follitropin beta) . (1996-2014). Retrieved from www.chealth.canoe.ca: http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=1648&page_no=2
