What is Follistim AQ?
Follistim AQ, a synthetic version of a natural hormone found in the human body, is a drug that can be used to treat fertility problems. This hormone controls ovulation and the growth and development of the ovaries of a woman. Follistim AQ treats infertility among women who are unable to ovulate. This medicine will not work in women who have primary ovarian dysfunction (when the ovaries cannot produce an egg). Follistim AQ can also be used by men for stimulating sperm output. This medicine does not work in men who have primary testicular dysfunction (when the testicles cannot produce sperm). Follistim AQ can be used in conjunction with another medication known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Warnings
Do NOT use Follistim AQ if pregnant. Your doctor will likely give you a test to confirm that you are not. Follistim AQ does not work in women or men with primary testicular and ovarian dysfunction. This medicine should not be used if you are suffering from an uncontrolled or untreated endocrine disorder, such as thyroid, pituitary or adrenal gland disorders, heavy or abnormal bleeding, which has not been examined by a physician, an ovarian tumor, or cancers of the breast, ovary or uterus. Tell your doctor if, before using Follistim AQ you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, asthma or a history stroke or blood clot. Follistim AQ should not be used while breastfeeding. If any of these symptoms arise, seek medical attention immediately. Multiple births (twins, triplets etc.) can be increased by fertility treatment. Both the mother and her baby are at high risk during these pregnancies. Speak to your doctor about the risk if you are concerned.
Before you take this drug
Follistim AQ is only safe to use if you have no conditions that could prevent it.
Follistim AQ should not be used if:
- Uncontrolled or untreated disorders affecting thyroid, pituitary or adrenal glands;
- 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 benzyl alcohol), sucrose, Neomycin or sodium phosphate.
Do not take this medication if you are already pregnant; prior to beginning, a negative pregnancy test will likely be necessary and if pregnancy occurs during treatment it should be reported immediately to your physician. If this medication causes pregnancy to occur unexpectedly please notify them as soon as possible and report the incident immediately.
Tell your doctor if:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Polycystic ovarian disease
- Torsion of the ovary
- A stroke or blood clot
- Asthma;
- Stomach surgery
Multiple births (twins or triplets) can be a result of fertility treatment. Pregnancies that involve multiple gestationsal gestationsal risks pose a high level of danger for both mother and her unborn babies.Speak to your doctor about the risk if you are concerned. Follistim AQ should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Follistim AQ ?
Follistim AQ can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medicine by yourself by a healthcare provider. 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. Follistim AQ must be used under the supervision of a physician. 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. This medicine may require mixing with a liquid before use. 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. Follistim AQ works best when the timing of sex is coordinated with medication dosage. Medical tests will be required frequently. You may need to have periodic ultrasound tests if you are using this medication to become pregnant. Your blood test may indicate that you need to temporarily stop having sex.
Store this medicine in its original, unopened packaging (not for use).
- Use within the expiration date.
- Use within 3 months of expiry date or store at room temperature, protected from light.
This medicine is not suitable for storage once it has been opened.
- Store in the refrigerator (not frozen) or at room temperatures, 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 an "as 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.
Side effects of Follistim AQ
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Follistim: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue or throat, contact emergency medical assistance immediately. This medicine can cause ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS), a potentially fatal condition. If you experience symptoms of OHSS while using Follistim or soon after, stop using the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.
- Nausea vomiting diarrhea
- Bloating, 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 and symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome- shortness of breathe or rapid breathing.
- Signs of a blood clot: sudden numbness, weakness, difficulty with speech or vision, swelling, or redness on an arm or leg.
Follistim aq may cause side effects such as:
- Redness, swelling, or bruises where the injection was made;
- An ovarian cyst
- Headache, tiredness;
- Breast pain or swelling
- Stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain;
- Acne;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with follicle-stimulating hormones. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
