Urofollitropin (By injection)
ure-oh-FOL-li-troe-pin
Treats infertility. This is a hormone.
Drug classes
Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Female Reproductive Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Urofollitropin injection is used to treat infertility in women. This medicine is a man-made hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is produced in the body by the pituitary gland. FSH helps to develop eggs in the ovaries of women.
Urofollitropin will help develop and release eggs in women who have not been able to become pregnant because of problems with ovulation, and have already received a medicine to control their pituitary gland.
This medicine is also used in women with healthy ovaries who are enrolled in a fertility program called assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART uses procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Urofollitropin is used together with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in these procedures.
Urofollitropin is often used in women who have low levels of FSH and too-high levels of LH. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome usually have hormone levels such as this and are treated with urofollitropin to make up for the low amounts of FSH. Many women being treated with urofollitropin have already tried clomiphene (eg, Serophene) and have not been able to conceive yet. Urofollitropin may also be used to cause the ovary to produce several follicles, which can then be harvested for use in gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
To use:
Wash your hands with soap and water. Mix the sodium chloride solution into the vial of powder as directed. Gently swirl the vial until the solution is clear. Do not shake it. Make sure the medicine is completely dissolved. Do not use it if you see any particles floating in the medicine. Draw the medicine into a sterile syringe. Release any air bubbles from the syringe. Clean the injection site with alcohol. Depress the plunger slowly and steadily into your lower abdomen or stomach. Alternate sides of your lower abdomen each time you give yourself an injection. Withdraw the needle quickly and apply pressure to the injection site until the bleeding stops. Always give the shot right after you mix the medicine. Throw away any unused medicine. Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
It is very important that you keep track of each dose you inject. Your doctor or nurse will help you with this.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Store the unused powder in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect from light. After mixing, use it immediately. Throw away any unused mixed medicine.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to urofollitropin, or if you are pregnant. Do not use it if you have adrenal gland problems, pituitary gland problems, thyroid gland problems, or a tumor in the brain, breast, ovary, or uterus. Do not use it if you have cysts in an ovary, enlarged ovaries, or unusual vaginal bleeding.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have lung or breathing problems, blood vessel problems, or a history of blood clots, stroke, ovarian torsion, or abdominal surgery.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome Lung or breathing problems Blood clots An increased risk of ovarian cancer An increased risk of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriageTalk to your doctor about the possibility that this medicine could cause you to get pregnant with twins, triplets, or multiple babies.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Ultrasound examinations will also be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
Decrease in how often or how much you urinate
Numbness or weakness in your arm, leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf)
Severe menstrual-like cramps, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain
Sudden severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache
Pain, swelling, itching, burning, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Bravelle, Fertinex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.