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Follicle stimulating hormone

Generic name: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can stimulate hair follicle growth.
Brand names: Follistim AQ Cartridge, Gonal-F RFF, Follistim and Follistim AQ… display all 10 brands.
Dosage Forms: Subcutaneous Powder for Injection (1050 intl Units; Alpha 450 intl Units; Alpha 75 intl Units),… Show all two dosage forms.
Drug class: Gonadotropins

What is Follicle stimulating hormone?

Follicle-stimulating hormone is used in the treatment of infertility among women who cannot ovulate. Follicle-stimulating hormones are ineffective for women who have primary failure of the ovaries. is also used by men to stimulate sperm production. This medicine does not work in men who have primary testicular dysfunction (when the testicles cannot produce sperm). Follicle-stimulating hormone is commonly used in conjunction with a medication called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Follicle Stimulating Hormone.

Side effects of Follicle stimulating hormone

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Some women who use this medication develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially fatal condition. If you experience symptoms of OHSS while using or soon after using follicle-stimulating hormone, stop using the medicine immediately and call your doctor.

  • Diarrhea, nausea, and severe pain in the lower abdomen;
  • Bloating and rapid weight gain
  • Little or no urination
  • Trouble breathing

Call your doctor immediately if you:

  • Severe pelvic pain on only one side
  • A cough that produces bloody mucus
  • Fever, sore neck;
  • A lump or swelling on your testicles
  • Signs of acute respiratory stress syndrome include fever and shortness of breath.
  • Signs of a blood clot include sudden numbness, weakness, or problems with speech or vision, as well as swelling or redness on an arm or limb.

Side effects of follicle-stimulating hormones include:

  • Redness, swelling or bruises at the site where injection was given.
  • An ovarian cyst
  • Headache, tiredness;
  • Breast pain or swelling
  • Stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain;
  • Acne;

There may be other side effects.For medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician. You can also reach the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.

Warnings

Follicle stimulating hormone should not be used if you suffer from an untreated or uncontrolled condition (thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland), abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding that has not been examined by a physician, an ovarian tumor, or cancers of the breast, testicle, or hypothalamus. Do not use this medication if you're pregnant. A negative pregnancy test may be required before beginning this treatment.

Before you take this drug

You will be tested by your doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from any conditions that would make it unsafe for you to use follicle-stimulating hormone.

If you are allergic or have any of the following:

  • Uncontrolled or untreated thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland disorders;
  • Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeds that have not been checked out by a physician;
  • An ovarian cyst
  • Cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus;
  • If you have an allergy to benzyl alcohol, follitropin, or sucrose, Neomycin. Sodium Phosphate.

Do not use this medication if you have already become pregnant. A negative pregnancy test may be required before beginning this treatment. If you fall pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

Tell your doctor about any of the following:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Polycystic ovarian disease
  • Torsion of the ovary
  • A blood clot or stroke
  • Asthma;
  • Surgery for the stomach.

Multiple births (twins or triplets) can be a result of fertility treatment. Both the mother and her babies are at high risk during these pregnancies. Speak to your doctor about the risk if you are concerned. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking follicle-stimulating hormones.

How to take Follicle stimulating hormone?

Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as it is prescribed. While using follicle-stimulating hormone, you must be under the supervision of a physician. The hormone is injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medication properly by a healthcare provider. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Before using follicle-stimulating hormone, you may need to dilute it with liquid. If you are using injections on your own, make sure that you know how to mix and store them.

Only prepare an injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. You may have to have sex every day for a few days. Follicle-stimulating hormone is affected by the timing of both sex and medication. Medical tests will be required frequently. You may need to have periodic ultrasound tests if you are using this medication to become pregnant. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop having sex if your blood tests show that it is necessary.

Store this medicine in its original, unopened packaging (not for use).

  • Use within the expiration date.
  • Use within 3 months of expiration, or store at room temperature, protected from light.

This medicine is not suitable for storage once it has been opened.

  • Store in the refrigerator (do not freeze) or at room temperature, protected from light.
  • Use within 28 days.

Do not heat the medicine. The medicine should not be heated. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of the reach of pets and children.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you miss a dosage, call your doctor to get instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also affect follicle-stimulating hormones. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.