Follistim for first time

Tonight I did my first shot of Follistim. I'm curious to know side effects and experiences. Thanks!

[jakl726]

hollyjo and kimepp:
congratulations...  
i don't really think there are side effects of follistim... it's just FSH (a hormone that your body is already producing so you should already be used to it).  however, there are 'serious' side effects of the drug when taken for a long period of time and for higher dose.  one is ovarian hyperstimulation... but you should worry about this as only a small # of people ever experience this.  you doctor should be able to monitor you and prevent this form happening.
bottom line is... overtime (after several shots of follistim)... your eggs/follicles (in your ovaries) will get bigger and bigger.  at this time, you will feel pressure in your lower and abdomen which is normal b/c you are being stimulated.  if you feel extreme pain... you should call your doctor.
enjoy and relax and look forward to your retrieval then transfer ... then a BFP. :)))

[kimepp]

How did yours go? I did mine too, the first stick I chicken out so I pulled back and of course it bleed when the actual stick didn't lol.  Did yours burn for a minute and did you have it at room temp? I wonder why it has to be at night

[jakl726]

hollyjo and kimepp:
congratulations...  
i don't really think there are side effects of follistim... it's just FSH (a hormone that your body is already producing so you should already be used to it).  however, there are 'serious' side effects of the drug when taken for a long period of time and for higher dose.  one is ovarian hyperstimulation... but you should worry about this as only a small # of people ever experience this.  you doctor should be able to monitor you and prevent this form happening.
bottom line is... overtime (after several shots of follistim)... your eggs/follicles (in your ovaries) will get bigger and bigger.  at this time, you will feel pressure in your lower and abdomen which is normal b/c you are being stimulated.  if you feel extreme pain... you should call your doctor.
enjoy and relax and look forward to your retrieval then transfer ... then a BFP. :)))

[spoilbabe69]

Hi guys I did a round of Follisitm, it was not too bad, i did not have any crazy side effects, only the needle syndrome...lol I made the hubby do it for me couldn't stick my self, it was not to bad, It did work for me I did ovulate but we missed it ..:( but we are trying again so hopefully it will happen this round.  i took mines during the day, the Doc didn't tell me to only take it at night, but over all it will work its only a matter of time and to get scanned regularly to make sure and not miss the egg.... anyways GOOD luck to u guys hopefully we all get our BFP soon !!!!! SSBDxxx

[hollyjo43015]

My first injection went fine. I did set it out to get it room temp. I did mine in my stomach. I've had better luck there than my leg. I really don't have a problem with needles. I'm not crazy about them, but its okay. Are you using the pen/ what's your dosage?  When do you go for your ultrasound?  

[spoilbabe69]

yes i am using the pen and I am taking 75. i go for my ultrasound on the 7th so heres hoping !!!!.. good luck to u...SSBD!!!

[Mimi007]

Hi,
I had Follistim for 12 days....
from 8-14 to 8-16 : 450 iu
&  from 8-17 to 8-25:   600 iu every night!!!  ( I'm poor responder)

I was scared about those big doses, but I didn't feel anything  :) not headaches, not bloating, nothing!!!!

Just try to change the site of inyection.

Good luck!!!

[kimepp]

2 down ;) !!!! How long are y'all letting the pen sit out to get room tempature

[hollyjo43015]

I think after you use it the first time, you can keep it out until it's empty.  

[lcgnyc]

Hi!  I used it straight out of the fridge.  It occasionally tingled, never burned.  The needle is relatively short, too.   Once the cartiridge has been pierced, you can store it at room temp (up to 77 degrees).  I kept it in the fridge to be safe.  

As for side effects, none in particular, I think.  Other than bloating, which is par for the course with IVF.

Here are storage instructions, from the patient info sheet.

"Store refrigerated 2–8°C (36–46°F) until dispensed. Upon dispensing, the product may be stored by the patient at 2–8°C (36–46°F) until the expiration date, or at 25°C (77°F) for 3 months or until expiration date, whichever occurs first. Once the rubber inlay of the Follistim AQ Cartridge has been pierced by a needle, the product can only be stored for a maximum of 28 days at 2–25°C (36–77°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze."

Good luck!

[trying43]

I didnt have any side effects from follistim except pregnancy, lol.  It actually worked my first round and I didnt have any side effects at all.  I hope it does the  same for you.  Good luck.

[spoilbabe69]

I kept mines in the fridge the whole time just to be on the safe side... the coldness didn't affect me.. only the stupid needle... lol
good luck..

[kimepp]

So technically my pen should be out cause it's only 300 iu. But they said each one should have enough extra for a extra injection when I set the dial on it will it let me know if there's enough for another inj.

[hollyjo43015]

How did your ultrasound go today? Mine is tomorrow.

[happynifer]

the only side effects i had was bloating from my ovaries producing so many eggs..none from the drug itself.
good luck!

[hollyjo43015]

I had my second ultrasound today. Trigger shot tomorrow night, insemination Tuesday.  Wish me luck. How is everyone else doing?

[kimepp]

Good to you!!! And good luck to all

[beanandsprout]

I am on day 5 of my follistim @ 225 per night.  I have had cramping, mild headaches and wierd eye burning right after my injection.  Needle doesnt bother me too much, as it is super sharp thankfully!  Yoga and cardio has helped me a ton through this process...

[beanandsprout]

How did it go?  GOOD LUCK!!!

[Erin830]

I just started my first injection of follistim last night. Going for an ultrasound on Friday, and then IUI soon after that. TTC 2.5 years
Can I already feel an ache in my ovaries after one shot?