urofollitropin
Pronunciation: yer oh FOE lih troe pin Brand: Bravelle, Fertinex What is the most important information I should know about urofollitropin?
Treatment with urofollitropin increases the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births carry additional risk both for the mother and for fetuses.
What is urofollitropin?
Urofollitropin is a purified form of a naturally occurring hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is important in the development of follicles (eggs) produced by the ovaries.
Urofollitropin is used to stimulate a follicle (egg) to develop and mature. It is used when a woman desires pregnancy and her ovaries can produce a follicle but hormonal stimulation is not sufficient to make the follicle mature. Urofollitropin also is used to stimulate the development of multiple eggs for in vitro fertilization.
Urofollitropin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using urofollitropin?
Urofollitropin will not bring about ovulation if the ovaries are not capable of producing an egg.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
- might be pregnant;
- have a thyroid problem;
- have cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland;
- have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding;
- have ovarian cysts or enlargement; or
- have any other serious or chronic illness.
You may not be able to use urofollitropin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Treatment with urofollitropin increases the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births carry additional risk both for the mother and for fetuses. Discuss these effects of urofollitropin with your doctor.
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Urofollitropin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that urofollitropin is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby (when used beyond the period of ovulation).
It is not known whether urofollitropin passes into breast milk. Do not use urofollitropin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How should I use urofollitropin?
Use urofollitropin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
The Bravelle brand of urofollitropin is administered by injection subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle). The Fertinex brand of urofollitropin is administered by injection subcutaneously (under the skin) only. If you are administering this medication at home, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to mix the solution and give the injection. Do not inject this medication if you are not sure how.
Do not shake the vial, but gently swirl until the solution is clear. Do not inject any medication that is discolored or that has particles in it. After mixing the solution for injection, use it immediately. Discard any unused solution.
Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal container.
Store urofollitropin at room temperature, or in the refrigerator, away from direct light, moisture, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of urofollitropin.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of urofollitropin is unlikely to threaten life. Notify your doctor immediately or call an emergency room or poison control center for advice. Symptoms of a urofollitropin overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while using urofollitropin?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with urofollitropin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of urofollitropin?
Stop using urofollitropin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Approximately 5% of patients treated with urofollitropin develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first cycle of therapy. Symptoms of OHSS include swelling of the hands or legs, abdominal pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, and nausea or vomiting. OHSS can be fatal. Notify your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms.
Other side effects may also occur. Notify your doctor if you experience
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- decreased urine production;
- pain, warmth, or tenderness centralized in an arm or leg;
- fever or chills;
- headache or drowsiness;
- muscle or joint weakness or aching;
- breast tenderness;
- pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site; or
- dry skin, a rash, or hair loss.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect urofollitropin?
It is not known whether other medications will interact with urofollitropin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about urofollitropin written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Urofollitropin is available with a prescription under the brand names Fertinex and Bravelle. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
- Fertinex 75 IU powder for injection
- Fertinex 150 IU powder for injection
- Bravelle 75 IU powder for injection
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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