Gonal–f® (follitropin alfa for injection) Multi–Dose

FAQ's

What is Gonal–f® and what is it used for?
How is Gonal–f® different from urinary FSH medications?
Who should not take Gonal–f®?
Are there any possible side effects due to Gonal–f®?
Is there a risk of multiple pregnancies with the Gonal–f®?
How much of the Gonal–f® should I inject?
What should I do if I forget to take my Gonal–f®?
Can I take the Gonal–f® with other medications?

What is Gonal–f® and what is it used for?top ^

Gonal–f® is a gonadotropin hormone produced by recombinant DNA technology (rDNA). It consists of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) and contains neither luteinizing hormone (LH) nor urinary proteins.

FSH is primarily used in women and is necessary for the recruitment, growth, and maturation of the ovarian follicles, which contain cells known as ova or oocytes. This occurs at the beginning of a woman's menstrual cycle.

After Gonal–f® is given to help develop the ovarian follicle, another hormone, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), is given mid–cycle to mature the egg and induce ovulation.

The amount of Gonal–f® given and the length of the treatment may vary from patient to patient.

Gonal–f® treatment is given by injection under the skin as recommended by your Fertility Specialist.

How is Gonal–f® different from urinary FSH medications?top ^

Gonal–f® is produced through rDNA technology and consists only of highly purified r–hFSH. Certain other FSH products–that are not derived from recombinant technology-may also contain varying amounts urinary proteins.

Who should not take Gonal–f®?top ^

Most patients can safely use Gonal–f®. However, you should not take Gonal–f® if you answer "yes" to any of the following questions. If you are unsure if you should take Gonal–f®, talk to your healthcare provider.

In both men and women:

• Do you have an allergy to r-hFSH preparations or any one of the following: sucrose, sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, or o-phosphoric acid?
• Have you ever been diagnosed as having cancer of the sex organs (uterus, ovaries, testes)?
• Do you have high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure?
• Do you have uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal problems?
• Do you have a pituitary tumor or other brain tumor?

In women:

• Are you pregnant or breast-feeding?
• Do you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina or uterus?
• Do you have swollen, enlarged or painful ovaries?

Are there any possible side effects due to Gonal–f®?top ^

You should review with your Fertility Specialist the risks and benefits of using Gonal–f®. As with any medication, report any and all side effects, symptoms, or physical changes to your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy loss (miscarriage) is higher in women receiving fertility drugs than in women not taking fertility drugs.

Gonal–f® can cause serious side effects including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with or without lung or blood vessel problems, and multiple births.

The most common side effects observed with the use of Gonal–f® include headache, breast pain, ovarian cysts, upset stomach, sinus infections in women, and skin pimples, breast pain and growth and tiredness in men. Needle injections may cause some discomfort. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information.

Is there a risk of multiple pregnancies with the Gonal–f®?top ^

Use of fertility medications can be associated with the fertilization of more than one egg. This can lead to complications for the mother and the birth of two or more babies. You should discuss with your Fertility Specialist the risks of multiple births before initiating treatment.

How much of the Gonal–f® should I inject?top ^

Your team of Fertility Specialists will tell you exactly how many IUs of Gonal–f® you will need to inject each day.

What should I do if I forget to take my Gonal–f®?top ^

Do not take a double dose to make up for any missed doses. Contact your Fertility Specialist if you forget to take a dose of Gonal–f®.

Can I take the Gonal–f® with other medications?top ^

Inform your Fertility Specialist and pharmacist if you are taking or have taken any other medications, including those that do not require a prescription.

If you have any additional questions, be sure to contact your Fertility Specialist for more information or guidance. You can also call Fertility LifeLines™ toll–free at 1–866–LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879). All calls are free and confidential.

Full Prescribing Information for Gonal–f® (follitropin alfa for injection) Multi–Dose (417 KB)