Luveris

This medication is used to help women with fertility problems become pregnant. It is generally used in combination with 2 other hormones (FSH and hCG). This medication provides luteinizing hormone (LH), which together with FSH begins the production of a mature egg (ovulation) and helps you become pregnant. This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).

It is important to use this medication at the scheduled time. If you forget to use your medication, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately for instructions. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting this medication and each time you get a refill of this medication because new information may be available. You will be trained by a healthcare professional on how to properly use this medication. If any of the information is unclear, consult your healthcare professional. Inject this medication under the skin of the abdomen, usually once daily as directed by your doctor. Lutropin (LH) is usually given at the same time as FSH. Give these 2 medications as separate injections. Do not mix the 2 medications in the same injection. The dose of hCG is usually given one day after the last dose of LH and FSH. Follow your doctor's instructions closely to make sure these medications are timed properly. Wash hands with soap and water before using this medication. If the medication is stored in the refrigerator, allow the medication to warm to room temperature before use. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Swirl the medication gently to mix. Do not shake. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Inject the prescribed dose as directed by your doctor. Change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas under the skin. Discard any unused portion of the medication immediately after the injection. Do not save it for future use. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not change the dose or use this medication for a longer period than prescribed unless instructed by your doctor. Usually, daily sexual intercourse is recommended beginning on the day before the hCG hormone is given and continuing until clear signs of ovulation occur (e.g., rise in basal body temperature). Follow your doctor's instructions. Learn how to store and discard syringes, needles, and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., vaginal ultrasound, blood hormone tests such as estradiol levels) should be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. It is important to keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments so your doctor can closely monitor your response to help reduce the risk of serious side effects and determine the timing of this medication.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other products containing luteinizing hormone (LH); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: other fertility problems (e.g., primary ovarian failure), thyroid or adrenal gland problems, cancer of the reproductive organs (e.g., breast, uterus, ovary), tumor in the brain (e.g., pituitary tumor), abnormal bleeding from the uterus/vagina, unexplained ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood clots, stroke, certain heart problems (e.g., heart attacks), liver disease, lung problems (e.g., asthma). Multiple births may occur because of this treatment. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication may be used as directed by your doctor to help you get pregnant, but it must not be used during pregnancy because at that time it may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store the vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Redness/pain at the injection site, headache, tiredness, or mild nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: bloating, pain/swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, unusual vaginal bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision changes, sudden/severe headache, pain/swelling of the calf muscles, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles/hands/feet. This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during therapy, but most often occurs after treatment has been stopped (1-2 weeks after last injection). Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop the following side effects: severe pain/swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, sudden/rapid weight gain, decrease in the amount of urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.