FOLLITROPIN BETA - INJECTION
Common Brand Name(s): Follistim
Phonetic Pronunciation: (foll-ih-TROH-pin)
Information last revised October 2010
Uses:
This medication is used to treat certain fertility problems in women. It provides the hormone (FSH) that helps stimulate healthy ovaries to produce eggs. This medication is usually used in combination with another hormone (hCG) to bring about the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation). This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.
How To Use
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. Learn all the preparation and usage instructions in the product package. 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. There are different follitropin products available, but they are not interchangeable, and the doses may be different. Do not switch to a different brand or type without your doctor's approval. Inject this medication under the skin or into a muscle, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid discomfort and problem areas under the skin. If the medication is stored in the refrigerator, allow the medication to warm to room temperature before use. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not change the dose or use this drug for a longer period than prescribed unless instructed by your doctor. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
Drug Interactions
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. 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 medication you may use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Laboratory tests and/or medical tests (e.g., ultrasound, hormone levels) will be performed to monitor your progress. 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 your hCG dose. Do not share this medication with others.
Overdose
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.
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other products containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or to streptomycin, or neomycin; 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: abnormal bleeding from the vagina or uterus, thyroid problems, adrenal gland problems, cancer of the reproductive organs (breast, uterus, ovary), tumors in the brain (e.g., pituitary tumor), ovarian cysts or enlargement, other fertility problems (e.g., primary ovarian failure). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood clots, stroke, certain heart diseases (e.g., heart attacks), lung problems (e.g., asthma). Multiple births may occur because of this treatment. Stop using this medication when you become pregnant. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible harm to a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store unopened vials in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion of the vial. Brief storage at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) is permitted for up to three months. 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.
Side Effects
Headache, stomach pain, bloating, redness/pain at the injection site, breast tenderness/pain, and dizziness 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 serious side effects occur: flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness), swelling of ankles/hands/feet, bleeding from the vagina. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely 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, rapid breathing. This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during therapy or after treatment has been discontinued. 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 or swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or a change 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.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
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