Learn About Gonal-f ®

Gonal-f® is a highly pure, recombinant form of human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This is the hormone responsible for stimulating the production of egg-containing follicles in women and sperm in men.

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Gonal-f® is most commonly used in infertility treatments such as ovulation induction (OI) and advanced reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you are undergoing OI or ART, Gonal-f® may be used to supplement or replace naturally occurring FSH and help you produce eggs.

Gonal-f® is the only FSH available in three dosing presentations of a ready-to-use multiple dose pen, as well as multiple-dose and single-dose vials. Gonal-f® is available in liquid and powder form as the following:

In a survey,1 2 out of 3 patients* preferred the Gonal-f® RFF Pen to other FSH injection devices.

* Patients who stated a preference. Patient preference for Gonal-f® RFF Pen over Follistim® Pen and vials/ampules was also documented in a separate study by Welcker et al.

Important Safety Information
As with all prescription medications, side effects may occasionally occur with use of fertility drugs. Doctors specializing in fertility or reproductive health should only prescribe these products. Patients prescribed gonadotropins and GnRH analogs should be monitored carefully by a trained fertility specialist. Risks include the following events which can be serious: hypersensitivity reactions; ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS); pulmonary and vascular complications, and multiple births. For complete product details about a specific fertility drug, please refer to the Full Prescribing Information.

  • 1. Weiss N. Gonadotropin products: empowering patients to choose the product that meets their needs. Reprod Biomed [serial online]. May 2007;15(1):31-37. Accessed: February 6, 2009.
  • 2. Welcker JT, for the German Gonal-f® FbM Pen Study Group. Analysis of an observational study on the routine use of follitropin alfa in a prefilled ready to use injection pen in ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination cycles [abstract]. Fertil Steril. 2006;86(suppl 3):S410.

Can We Afford Fertility Treatment?

Get the facts about paying for treatment. Learn how you can save up to $500 on Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) with the FertilityAssist 2 program.

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Indication:
For women, Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection), Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa injection) and Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) are indicated for 1) the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure and 2) for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
For men, Gonal-f® is also indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the main cause of infertility is not due to primary testicular failure.

Important Safety Information:
These products should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Use of Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF by women can result in multiple births. Patients should let their doctor know of any allergic reactions to recombinant FSH preparations or other product ingredients. Patients should also inform their doctor of a history of cancer of the sex organs or brain and uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disease before starting or continuing treatment. Women with a history of abnormal bleeding from the uterus or vagina, swollen, enlarged, or painful ovaries should speak to their doctor before starting treatment. Gonal-f® and Gonal-f® RFF are potent gonadotropic substances capable severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women, which can result hospitalization. Women should inform their doctor if they experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, or weight gain while taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f RFF®. The most common side effects are headache, ovarian cysts, upset stomach, and sinus infections in women taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF. The most common side effects in men taking Gonal-f® are skin acne, breast pain and growth, and tiredness. Needle injections may cause some discomfort.

For more information, refer to the prescribing and patient information offered below and talk to your doctor.


© EMD Serono, Inc. CIM Last Update 2008-09-16
This site contains medical information that is intended for residents of the United States only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a medical professional. Always consult a physician if you have health concerns. Use and access of this site is subject to the terms and conditions as set out in our Legal Statement and Privacy Policy.

This site contains information that is intended for US residents only. Canadian residents should consult the EMD Serono Canada Inc. Web site at www.emdserono.ca for information on products and services approved in Canada.

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