What is Gonal F?
Gonal-F can be used to treat women with infertility if they are unable to ovulate. Gonal-F does not work in women who have primary failure of the ovaries.Gonal-F can also be used by men to stimulate sperm production. This medicine does not work in men who have primary testicular dysfunction (in which the testicles cannot produce sperm).Gonal-F can be used in conjunction with a medication called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Gonal-F.
Side effects of Gonal-F
If you exhibit symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing and/or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical help immediately!Some women who use this medication develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially fatal condition. If you experience symptoms of OHSS while using Gonal F or within a few days afterward, stop using the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Bloating and rapid weight gain
- There is little or no urine production.
- Trouble breathing
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Severe pelvic pain on only one side
- A bloody cough;
- Fever; sore throat;
- A lump or swelling on your testicles
- Signs of acute respiratory stress syndrome: fever with 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.
Gonal-f side effects may include:
- Redness, swelling, or bruises where the injection was made
- An ovarian cyst
- Headache, tiredness;
- Breast pain or swelling
- Stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain;
- The acne
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to side effects can be done via its toll free number 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
testosterone, Clomid, clomiphene, AndroGel, Xyosted, depo-testosterone, and chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)
Warnings
Gonal-F should not be used if you suffer from an untreated endocrine disorder, such as a pituitary or adrenal gland disorder, heavy or abnormal bleeding that has not been examined by a physician, an ovarian tumour, or cancer in the breast, ovary, or uterus.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 Gonal-F.
Gonal-F should not be used if:
- 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.Gonal-F should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Gonal F?
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 prescribed.Gonal-F must be used under the supervision of a physician.Gonal-F can be 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.Gonal-F may need to be mixed with a liquid before use. If you are using the injections yourself, 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 several consecutive days to get pregnant. Gonal-F works best when sex is done at the same time as taking 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 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
Gonal-F may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
