Lutropin alfa is used together with other medicines to treat infertility in women.
This medicine helps induce ovulation (release of an egg cell from the ovary) by stimulating the maturation of follicles in the ovaries of women with low levels of female hormones involved in the natural reproductive cycle.
Lutropin alfa is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Lutropin alfa exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Lutropin alfa.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- cancer of the ovaries, womb, or breasts
- current or untreated tumour in the brain or pituitary gland
- uncontrolled disorder of the thyroid or adrenal gland
- cysts (sacs of fluid) or enlargement in the ovaries due to unknown origin
- unexplained or abnormal vaginal bleeding
- primary ovarian failure (a condition wherein a woman's ovaries stop working normally before age 40)
- malformation of your sexual organs which makes pregnancy unsuitable
as Lutropin alfa may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or family history of porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- history of fallopian tube disease
- thrombophilia (a condition that increases your tendency to form blood clots)
- personal or family history of blood clot disorders
- polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS (a hormonal disorder that may cause irregular menstrual periods, acne, or unwanted hair growth)
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- To check the appropriateness of Lutropin alfa, a thorough evaluation and assessment of your and your partner's fertility status may be needed before treatment initiation.
- Routine tests (e.g. ultrasound, blood tests to measure estradiol levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of your condition may also be needed during therapy as Lutropin alfa may increase your risk of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside of the womb), multiple births or pregnancy loss.
Lutropin alfa may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach wind, stomach pain or discomfort, tiredness, breast pain, and pain, redness, swelling, irritation or bruising at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) e.g. abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, rapid weight gain, reduced urine output, severe breathing difficulty
- signs and symptoms of blood clots e.g. pain, swelling, and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth; sudden chest pain, trouble speaking, shortness of breath, coughing up blood
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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