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Menotropins

Generic name: Menotropins
Brand names : Menopur, Pergonal Humegon, and Repronex.
Dosage form: subcutaneous powder for injection (75 intl. units)
Drug class: Gonadotropins

What is Menotropins?

Menotropins contain both FSH and LH, the main active hormones responsible for fertility in female reproductive tract.FSH and LH play a role in the development of the follicles that produce eggs in women's ovaries. Menotropins help the body produce more eggs during ovulation in preparation for in vitro fertilization. Menotropins can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Menotropins

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat. OHSS is a serious condition that can occur in women who use menotropins, especially after their first treatment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can be life-threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using menotropins and contact your doctor immediately.

  • Stomach pain, bloating;
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Rapid weight gain in the face and midsection, especially.
  • Little or no urinating is acceptable.
  • Feeling short of breath, especially when lying down, is a sign that you are having difficulty breathing.

Call your doctor immediately if you:

  • Chest pain, a dry cough, and a feeling of shortness of breath are all symptoms that can occur when you lie down.
  • Signs of stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, or severe headache; slurred or shaky speech; problems with vision, balance, or coordination.
  • Signs of a blood clot in the lungs: chest pain, sudden coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing blood;
  • Signs of a blood clot on your leg include pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

Menotropins can cause a variety of side effects.

  • Stomach cramps or bloating
  • Headache;
  • Pat the injection site, some may experience discomfort, swelling, or warmth.

There may be other potential side effects. For any medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician. Alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report them.

Similar/related drugs

Progesterone, clomiphene, Clomid, chorionic gonadotropin (hcg), Pregnyl, Menopur, and Gonal-f

Warnings

This medicine should not be used if you suffer from primary failure of the ovaries, abnormal vaginal blood flow, uncontrolled thyroid disorders, or problems with the adrenal gland; an ovarian tumor, breast or uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer; or a tumor in your pituitary or hypothalamus. Menotropins should not be used if you're pregnant.

Before you take this drug

Menotropins should not be used if:

  • A condition known as primary ovarian dysfunction
  • Cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary
  • Uncontrolled or untreated thyroid or adrenal disorder;
  • Infertility is not due to a lack of ovulation.
  • Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding;
  • An ovarian cyst, or enlarged ovaries
  • A tumor in your hypothalamus or pituitary
  • If you are breastfeeding or pregnant,

If your ovaries do not function properly, menotropins won't cause ovulation. You will be tested for conditions and given a pelvic examination by your doctor to ensure that you are not unable to safely use menotropins. Before you start menotropins, it is important to check the fertility of your male partner.

Menotropins may not be safe for you if:

  • Asthma;
  • A history of stomach surgery
  • A history of an ovarian cyst, or "torsion" (twisting), of your ovary
  • Risk factors for blood clots include diabetes and smoking. Heart disease and coronary arterial disease are also risk factors.

Menotropins may increase the chances of a multiple birth (twins or triplets). Multiple pregnancies are high-risk for both the mother and the baby. You should follow your doctor's advice about any special care that you might need during pregnancy. If you get pregnant after taking this medication, it may increase your chances of experiencing tubal pregnancy, miscarriage, or stillbirth. It can also cause birth defects, premature labor, and fever. If you have concerns about these risks, talk to your doctor. Menotropins may help you get pregnant, but they can also harm the unborn child or cause birth defects. Menotropins should not be used if you're already pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking menotropins, tell your doctor immediately. Menotropins do not pass into breastmilk. Do not use menotropins without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding A Baby

How to take Menotropins?

Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Occasionally, your doctor may change the dose you take to ensure that you receive the best possible results. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer. This medicine is injected into the skin. It is possible that you will be taught how to inject at home. You should not inject this medicine yourself if you don't know how to properly give an injection or dispose of used needles. Menotropin is a powder that needs to be diluted with liquid before use. You should know how to mix and store injections at home if you plan on using them. You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. After mixing, gently swirl the mixture. Do not shake the medicine after mixing it, or else it will foam. Do not prepare your dose until you are ready for an injection. If the color of the mixture changes or if there are particles present, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.

Menotropins may be needed in more than one vial to complete your dose. Throw away the remaining mixture after injecting it. Don't save it to use later. Follow your doctor's advice to get the best possible results with your fertility treatment. Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use syringes and needles only once. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children. You will need to have frequent ultrasound tests in order to ensure that the medicine is working. You may need to keep a record of your daily temperature. Store powdered medicine unmixed at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. The powder can also be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Combinations of medications are often used to treat infertility. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking any medication. Each medication comes with a patient instruction guide or medication guide. You should not alter your medication or doses without consulting your doctor.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for Follicle Stimulation:
Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART):
Initial dose:
225 International Units (IU) subcutaneously or intramuscularly daily.
Menotropin can be given together with urofollitropin. The total dose combined should not exceed 220 international units (150 units menotropin plus 75 units urofollitropin or 75 units menotropin plus 150 units urofollitropin).
Maximum dose:
-450 international units daily
If given in combination with urofollitropin the combined total dose of menotropin and urofollitropin should not exceed 450 International Units per day.
Duration of treatment: 7 to 20 days
Comments:
Continue treatment until a sufficient follicular growth is apparent, and then administer human chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).
-Refrain from administering hCG if the monitoring done on the final day of treatment indicates an increased risk for ovarian stimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Ovulation Induction
Initial dose: 150 international units of SC or IMU daily for the initial 5 days.
Maximum dose: 450 international units daily.
Duration of treatment: 7 to 12 days
Comments:
If the patient responds well, administer hCG one day after menotropin.
If ovulation or inadequate follicle growth does not result in pregnancy, the treatment can be repeated.
Uses:
Development of Multiple Follicles in Ovulatory Females as Part of an Assistive Reproductive Technology Cycle
-Ovulation stimulation in patients who previously had pituitary suppressed

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you missed a menotropin dose, call your doctor to get instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any dietary or activity restrictions, be sure to follow their directions.

Interaction with other drug

Menotropins can interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.