Follitropin Beta, Puregon (CDN)/Follistim AQ (US)
Description: Gonadotropin; Ovulation Stimulator
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Follitropin Beta, Puregon/Follistim AQ is a human FSH preparation of recombinant DNA origin. Follitropins stimulate ovarian follicular growth in women who do not have primary ovarian failure and stimulate spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Indications For Use
Ovulation induction (female); controlled ovarian stimulation (female); spermatogenesis induction (male)
Precautions
Before starting Follitropin Beta, Puregon/Follistim AQ make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have primal gonadal failure (high FSH), uncontrolled nongonadal endocrinopathies, a hormone dependant tumour, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, ovarian cysts, ovarian enlargement, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Follitropin Beta, Puregon/Follistim AQ use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as ovarian enlargement, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ovarian torsion, pulmonary effects, and thromboembolic events.
Usual Dosing
Ovulation induction: Females:
Follistim AQ Vials: IM, SubQ: Initiate therapy with 75 units/day and increase the dose by 25 or 50 units at weekly intervals (maximum of 300 units daily) until follicular growth indicates an adequate ovarian response.
Follistim AQ Cartridge: SubQ: Initiate therapy with 50 units/day and increase dose by 25 or 50 units at weekly intervals (maximum of 250 units daily) until follicular growth indicates an adequate ovarian response.
Puregon Vials(IM/SubQ)/Cartridge (SubQ) (Canadian products): Initiate therapy with 50 units/day. Increase the dose gradually until follicular growth and/or plasma estradiol levels indicate an adequate response
Controlled ovarian stimulation: Females:
Follistim AQ (vials): IM, SubQ: Initiate therapy with 150-225 units/day and adjust based on individual response (maximum of 600 units daily). When a sufficient number of follicles of adequate size are present, the final maturation of the follicles is induced by administering hCG. Oocyte retrieval is performed 34 to 36 hours later.
Follistim AQ Cartridge: SubQ: Initiate therapy with 200 units/day and adjust based on individual response (maximum of 500 units daily). When a sufficient number of follicles of adequate size are present, the final maturation of the follicles is induced by administering hCG. Oocyte retrieval is performed 34 to 36 hours later.
Puregon Vials(IM/SubQ)/Cartridge (SubQ) (Canadian products): Initiate therapy with 150-225 units/day and adjust based on individual response (maximum of 450 units daily). When a sufficient number of follicles of adequate size are present, the final maturation of the follicles is induced by administering hCG 30 to 40 hours after the last follitropin beta dose
Spermatogenesis induction: Males:
Follistim AQ Vials, Follistim AQ Cartridge, Puregon Vials/Cartridge (Canadian products) SubQ: 450 units/week (administered as 225 units twice weekly or 150 units 3 times/weekly). Pretreatment with hCG monotherapy is required prior to concomitant therapy with follitropin beta and hCG. Follitropin beta therapy may be initiated after normal serum testosterone levels have been reached.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, administer consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed. When administered using the pen, the follitropin cartridge delivers on average 18% more follitropin beta when compared to dissolved lyophilized follitropin beta administered by a conventional syringe. The dose should be individualized. Use the lowest dose consistent with the expectation of good results. Over the course of treatment, doses may vary depending on individual patient responses. Doses may need adjustment when changing between products and/or methods of administration.
You Need to Avoid: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance so avoid starting any new medications without consulting the prescriber.
Side Effects
Headache, fatigue, acne vulgaris, skin rash, ovarian hyperstimulation, gynecomastia, ovarian cyst, nausea, abdominal distress, abdominal pain, lower abdominal pain, pelvic symptoms, pelvic pain, injection site reaction, pain at the injection site, cyst (dermoid)
Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only the most common
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.
Special note for customers.
*All orders are limited to a 90 day supply.
*Prescriptions on this website are fulfilled and from Canada and depending on the medication may originate from Australia, New Zealand
United Kingdom, Canada or the United States.
Disclaimer
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