Follitropin beta is used on its own or as part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to treat infertility in women.
It is also used with another medicine called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to help in the production of sperm in men who are infertile due to low levels of certain hormones.
Use Follitropin beta 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.
Make sure you know how to use this medicine. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follitropin beta is available as a cartridge or vial.
If you are using the cartridge, Follitropin beta is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area). 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.
If you are using the vial, it may be given subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
When given intramuscularly, Follitropin beta should be administered by your doctor or nurse.
When given subcutaneously, the first injection should be given under the supervision of your doctor or nurse. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of Follitropin beta, you or your caregiver may do the succeeding administration.
The dose of Follitropin beta will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your condition and 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 Follitropin beta.
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 are self-administering your dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
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:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding with an unknown cause
- ovarian cysts (sacs of fluid in the ovaries) or enlarged ovaries not due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- tumours of the ovaries, breast, womb, testes, prostate, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland
- malformations of sexual organ incompatible with pregnancy
- high level of follicle-stimulating hormone (a hormone associated with reproduction and the development of eggs in women and sperm in men) in your blood indicating that your ovaries (women) or testes (men) may be permanently damaged and do not work at all
- has uncontrolled thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland problems
as Follitropin beta may not be suitable for you.
Do not use Follitropin beta if you are pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you have if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to certain antibiotics such as neomycin and streptomycin.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
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 Follitropin beta medication, thorough evaluation and assessment (e.g. ultrasound, tests to measure estradiol levels in women, semen analysis in men, and pregnancy tests), before the initiation of the treatment may be needed.
- Regular monitoring for signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (a serious medical problem that can happen when the ovaries are over-stimulated) may also be needed.
Follitropin beta may cause any of the following side effects: headache, stomach pain or discomfort, nausea, tiredness, acne, rash, ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), swelling or enlargement of the male breasts, pain at the pelvis (the area between the abdomen and thighs), and bruising, redness, swelling or itching 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, weight gain, reduced urine output, severe breathing difficulty
- blood clots
- signs and symptoms of severe lung problems e.g. shortness of breath, laboured or rapid breathing, confusion, extreme tiredness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using other medicines to treat infertility e.g. clomifene citrate, nafarelin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Alternatively, store in a cool, dry place for a maximum period of 3 months.
Protect from light.
Do not use this medicine if it becomes cloudy or if it has changed in colour.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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