Follitropin beta was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 23/03/2004 for treating infertility in women who are not ovulating and in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (lack of male sex hormones).

In women, it can induce ovulation for those who do not ovulate. In females undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted reproductive procedures, it can induce the growth of multiple follicles essential for reproduction.

In men, it is used to increase the production of sperm in those who have a deficiency due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Follitropin beta is available in two doses: 50 I.U. Injection and 100 IU Injection for subcutaneous use. It is given just beneath your skin, either in the abdominal wall or the upper thigh, by your healthcare provider. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition.

Like any other drug, follitropin beta also has some side effects. The most common side effects people may experience are headache, injection site reactions (such as bruising, pain, redness, swelling, and itching), pelvic pain, stomach pain, bloating, acne, and breast enlargement. Patients may also experience serious side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (ovaries enlarge and leak fluid into the body), blood clots, and ovarian torsion. Keep an eye out for these signs and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of them while receiving therapy.

It is not recommended to take this medication if you are allergic to the active substance follitropin beta and its components. Women who are pregnant or experiencing heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding are recommended not to use this medication. You need to inform your physician if you have any thyroid disorders and liver disorders. Treatment with gonadotropins may raise the chance of developing thrombosis or blood clots. Before starting treatment, consult your doctor. If you or your family has a history of thrombosis or if you are significantly overweight, Tell your physician about all the medications you have been taking recently before starting treatment.

It is advised to stop taking the medication after you are pregnant. Consult your physician immediately regarding discontinuing the treatment. If you have lung diseases or liver disorders, consult your physician before taking the medication. Alcohol use can affect the fertility rate by interfering with the hormone system. Furthermore, avoid using machinery or driving while receiving therapy if you feel lightheaded, and consult your doctor right away. It is really important to be safe, so make sure you discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare professional.

There is a possibility for a false-positive pregnancy test result (blood or urine) within ten days of taking follitropin beta. Confirm with your physician. Make sure to consume foods high in protein as it promotes the overall reproductive health and the formation of eggs. Men, try to limit your intake of soy products as soy consumption may further suppress sperm production, especially in men who already have low sperm counts.

1. Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. K.G., U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on August 2011] [Accessed on November 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021211s011lbl.pdf
2. N.V. Organon, Electronic medicines compendium "(EMC)," [Revised on May 2006] [Accessed on 30/11/2023], https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/puregon-epar-product-information_en.pdf
3. N.V. Organon, [Revised on March 26, 2021] [Accessed on 30/11/ 2023], https://www.organon.com/canada-en/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/PUREGON-CI_E.pdf
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Hormones and related drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 263.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.