Menotropins are an equal mixture of the naturally occurring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH are important for the development of follicles (eggs)
produced by the ovaries and for the development of sperm.
Menotropins are used to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg) when a woman's ovaries
can produce a follicle but hormonal stimulation is deficient. Menotropins are also used to stimulate the
development of multiple eggs for in vitro fertilization. Likewise, menotropins are used to stimulate the
production of sperm in men who have functioning testes but in whom hormonal stimulation is deficient.
Menotropins may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking menotropins (injectable)?
Menotropins will not induce ovulation or sperm production if your ovaries or testes are not
functioning properly.
Do not use menotropins without first taking to 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 medical illness.
You may not be able to use menotropins, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Do not
use menotropins if you are pregnant. Menotropins are in the FDA
pregnancy category X. This means that they are known to cause birth defects.
It is not known whether menotropins pass into breast milk.
Do not
use
menotropins without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take menotropins (injectable)?
Use menotropins exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions,
ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Formulations of menotropins intended for intramuscular injection (an injection into muscle) must
not be administered subcutaneously (under the skin), and vice versa. If you are administering this
medication at home, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to mix the solution and give
yourself the injection. Do not inject menotropins if you are not sure how.
Use the solution immediately after it is mixed. Throw away any medicine that is left over.
Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate,
puncture-resistant disposal container.
Store menotropins at room temperature or in the refrigerator, away from direct light, moisture,
and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of menotropins (injectable)?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of menotropins. Do not use a double dose of this
medication without first talking to your doctor.
Where can I get more information about menotropins (injectable)?
Your pharmacist has information about menotropins (injectable) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of menotropins (injectable)?
Stop using menotropins and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Less than 2% of female patients treated with menotropins 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 side effects.
Serious pulmonary (lung and breathing) conditions have been reported in patients using
menotropins. Seek medical attention if you experience any sudden changes in your breathing.
Other side effects may also occur. Notify your doctor if you experience
ovarian enlargement presenting as abdominal or pelvic pain,
tenderness, pressure, or swelling;
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
shortness of breath;
pain, warmth, or tenderness centralized in an arm or leg;
fever or chills;
headache or drowsiness;
weakness or aching of muscles or joints;
breast enlargement or tenderness;
pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site; or
rash.
Menotropins may increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births
may carry additional risk both for the mother and for the fetuses.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about menotropins (injectable)?
Menotropins may increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births may carry additional
risk both for the mother and for the fetuses.
What should I avoid while taking menotropins (injectable)?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during therapy with menotropins unless
your doctor directs otherwise.
What other drugs will affect menotropins (injectable)?
It is not known whether other medications will interact with menotropins. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of menotropins (injectable)?
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.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009