Follitropin Alfa (Injection)

Follitropin Alfa (fol-i-TROE-pin AL-fa)

Treats infertility in both women and men who are unable to have children.

Brand Name(s):

Gonal-F
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to other hormonal infertility treatments, or if you have thyroid or adrenal gland problems, tumors of the ovary, uterus, or testicles, or a brain tumor or injury. Women should not use this medicine if they have any unusual vaginal bleeding, have had any unusual growth in the ovaries, or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• The timing of when you use this medicine is very important in how well it will work. Use the medicine on the exact day and at the exact time your doctor has ordered.
• Try not to miss any doses, and keep all appointments with your doctor.
• If you do miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine if you are already pregnant can harm your unborn baby.
• This medicine may cause you to become pregnant with more than one baby (twins, triplets, or more).
• Along with using this medicine, you will need to visit your doctor for regular tests and procedures. It may take several months for you to become pregnant.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Breakthrough vaginal bleeding
• Chest pain
• Decrease in how often or how much you urinate
• Fever or cold-like symptoms
• Nausea with vomiting, stomach pain, and / or diarrhea
• Pain or swelling in the lower abdomen
• Rapid weight gain
• Runny or stuffy nose, cough, chest congestion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain
• Breast pain or enlargement in men
• Headache
• Pain where the shot is given
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.