Recombinant DNA Technologies

Injectible medications known as gonadotropins are used in specialized fertility treatments such as Ovulation Induction (OI) and advanced reproductive technologies (ART). Two types of injectibles are available: those that use hormones derived from human urine (urine-derived products) and those that use hormones manufactured using biotechnology (recombinant products).

Recombinant vs. Urinary

Urine-derived products are highly purified but can also contain other urinary proteins that can result in greater variation from one vial of medication to another. Recombinant products come from one, well-established source, resulting in consistent and extremely pure medications. Manufactured using biotechnology, they are free of urinary proteins.

Today, there is no scientific consensus on whether one type of gonadotropin is more effective than the other. Your healthcare provider may have a preference and should be able to explain the reasons why. Be sure to speak with your doctor to find out what type may be right for you.

As with all prescription medications, side effects may occur with the use of fertility drugs. These products should only be prescribed by doctors specializing in infertility or reproductive health. Fertility drugs can cause serious side effects including, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with or without blood vessel and lung problems, and multiple births. For complete product details about a specific fertility drug, please refer to the full prescribing information.