Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
multi-dose vial (Gonal-f)
- 450 IU/vial (ie, 600 IU/vial delivers 450 IU)
- 1050 IU/vial (ie, 1200 IU/vial delivers 1050 IU)
single-dose vial (Gonal-f RFF)
- 75 IU (ie, 82 IU/vial delivers 75 IU)
Redi-ject pen (Gonal-f RFF)
- 300 IU
- 450 IU
- 900 IU
Ovulation Induction
Initial dose of first cycle: 75 IU SC qDay; after 14 days, increase dose by increments of up to 37.5 IU; further dose increases, as necessary every 7 days
Dose based on effect, with lowest effective dose; maximum recommended dose 300 International Units qDay
Treatment maximum of 35 days, unless E2 rise indicates imminent follicular developement
To complete follicular development in absence of endogenous LH surge, give chorionic gonadatropin (hCG)- 5000 units 1 day after last dose
Withhold if serum estradiol >2,000 pg/mL or if abnormal ovarian enlargement/abdominal pain
Advise patient against intercourse
Initial dose in subsequent cycles based on response in previous cycle
Advise daily intercourse beginning on day prior to hCG until ovulation apparent from lab tests
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Initial dose on cycle day 2 or 3: 150 IU SC qDay until sufficient follicular development; typically does not exceed 10 days
If endogenous gonadotropin levels are suppressed, should be started at 225 IU qDay
Continue until adequate follicular development based on ultrasound and serum estradiol levels; dose adjustments of 75-150 IU may be made q3-5Days
Maximum recommended dose 450 IU qDay
Once adequate follicular development, administer hCG (5,000-10,000 USP); withhold if ovaries abnormally enlarged on last day of treatment
Male Patients with Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (Gonal-f Only)
Pretreat with hCG (1,000- 2,250 USP IU 2-3 x/week) until serum testosterone within normal range (may require 3-6 months of treatment)
Treatment consists of Gonal-f 150 IU SC 3 times/week used in conjunction with hCG
hCG 1000 USP Units (or dose to maintain normal serum testosterone levels) 3 x/week
If azoospermia persists, may increase dose to 300 IU 3 x/week
May need to administer for up to 18 months for adequate response
Safety and efficacy not established
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
GONAL-f
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Ovarian hyperstimulation
- Abdominal pain
- Acne
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Emotional lability
Gonal-f RFF Pen
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- OHSS (for ovulation induction)
- Flatulence
- Acne
- Toothache
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Breast pain, Injection site reactions, Ovarian cyst, Nausea, Sinusitis
Postmarketing Reports
Asthma exacerbation
Thromboembolism
Warnings
Contraindications
Prior hypersensitivity to recombinant FSH preparations
High levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure
Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
Sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs
Organic intracranial lesion (e.g. pituitary tumor)
Women with abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin; ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin
Pregnancy
Cautions
May cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS, dramatic increase in vascular permeability which can result in rapid fluid accumulation in peritoneal cavity, thorax and pericardium; accompanied by severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting and weight gain) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications
If ovaries are abnormally enlarged on last day of therapy, inform women not to administer hCG and to avoid intercourse
Pulmonary conditions (atelactasis, ARDS, & asthma exacerbation) have been reported; in women with recognized risk factors, the benefits of induction of ovulation and ART need to be weighed against risks; during or after use of drug, monitor for venous or arterial thromboembolic events
Possibility of multiple births (range 12.3%-44.0% live births)
In ovarian torsion, early diagnosis and immediate detorsion limit damage to ovary due to reduced blood supply
A thorough gynecologic & endocrinological evaluation should be conducted prior to treatment to rule out primary ovarian failure, early pregnancy & partner's fertility potential
The rate of multiple births is dependent on number of embryos transferred; advise the woman and her partner of the potential risk of multi-fetal gestation and birth before beginning therapy
Advise women who become pregnant following ART and have: abdominal/pelvic pain (particularly on one side); shoulder, neck or rectal pain; and nausea and vomiting to seek immediate medical attention; confirm the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy early by β-hCG testing and transvaginal ultrasound
The risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) is increased with gonadotropin products, however, causality has not been established
Both benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms are reported in women who have had multiple drug therapy for controlled ovarian stimulation, however, causality has not been established
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Drug not indicated in pregnant women
The incidence of congenital malformations after some assisted reproductive technology, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)], maybe slightly higher than that after spontaneous conception; this slightly higher incidence is thought to be related to differences in parental characteristics (eg, maternal age, maternal and paternal genetic background, sperm characteristics) and to a higher incidence of multi-fetal gestations after IVF or ICSI; there is no human data that the use of gonadotropins (including drug alone or as part of IVF or ICSI cycles, increases risk of congenital malformations
Risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) is increased in women who have used gonadotropins products (including GONAL-F) to achieve pregnancy
Verify a negative pregnancy test before administering drug
Animal data
- In animal studies, the continuous administration of recombinant human FSH during pregnancy resulted in a decrease in number of viable fetuses and difficult and prolonged delivery; no teratogenic effect observed
Lactation
There are no data on presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production; because secretion of prolactin during lactation can result in inadequate response to ovarian stimulation, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH); stimulate ovarian follicular growth in women who do not have primary ovarian failure;
Stimulates spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 2.7-18 months (spermatogenesis); within cycle (females)
Vd: 10 L
Bioavailability: 66-76% (healthy female volunteers)
Half-life: 50 hr (IM in healthy female volunteers); 24 hr (SC in healthy female volunteers)
Peak plasma time: 8-16 hr (SC in females); 25 hr (IM in females); 11-20 hr (IM in males)
Administration
SC Administration
Gonal-f RFF Pen is a SC self-injectable pen for women
Remove pen from refridgerator at least 30 min before injection to warm to room temperature
Inject SC in abdomen
Storage
Pharmacy: Store the Gonal-f RFF Redi-ject refrigerated 2-8°C (36-46°F) until dispensed
Upon dispensing, store refrigerated 2-8°C (36-46°F) until the expiration date, or at room temperature 20-25°C (68-77°F) for up to 3 months or until the expiration date, whichever occurs first
After the first injection, store refrigerated 2-8°C (36-46°F) or at room temperature 20-25°C (68-77°F) for up to 28 days
Protect from light
Do not freeze
Once opened or stored at room temperature, discard unused material after 28 days
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonal-F RFF Redi-Ject subcutaneous - | 900/1.5 unit/mL injection |  | |
| Gonal-F RFF Redi-Ject subcutaneous - | 450/0.75 unit/mL injection |  | |
| Gonal-F RFF Redi-Ject subcutaneous - | 300/0.5 unit/mL injection |  | |
| Gonal-F subcutaneous - | 1,050 unit vial |  | |
| Gonal-F subcutaneous - | 450 unit vial |  | |
| Gonal-f RFF subcutaneous - | 75 unit vial |  | |
| Gonal-f RFF subcutaneous - | 75 unit vial |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
follitropin alfa subcutaneous
FOLLITROPIN ALFA PEN - INJECTION
(FOL-i-TROE-pin AL-fa)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gonal-F RFF
USES: This medication contains follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and is used to treat certain fertility problems in women. Follitropin alfa helps stimulate healthy ovaries to produce eggs. This medication is usually used in combination with another hormone (hCG) to bring about the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation).This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using follitropin alfa and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.If the medication is stored in the refrigerator, allow the medication to warm to room temperature before use.Inject this medication under the skin or into a muscle as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Your doctor may direct you to use this medication in a treatment cycle (for example, only on certain days each month). Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Use only the pen needle provided with the pen. Also, use a new pen needle for each injection.The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and lab tests.Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor to get the most benefit from it. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, mild stomach/abdominal pain, bloating, redness/pain at the injection site, or breast tenderness/pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: bleeding from the vagina/uterus, flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, muscle ache, tiredness), swelling of ankles/hands/feet.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden severe headache, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes.This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during or after treatment. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. Get medical help right away if you develop the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, severe nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or decreased urination.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other products containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other fertility problems (such as primary ovarian failure), abnormal bleeding from the vagina/uterus, thyroid problems, adrenal gland problems, cancer of the reproductive organs (such as breast, uterus, ovary), tumor in the brain (such as pituitary tumor), ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries, blood clots, stroke, certain heart diseases (such as angina, heart attack), lung problems (such as asthma).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Multiple births may occur as a result of this treatment. Consult your doctor for more details.Stop using this medication when you become pregnant. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.A product that may interact with this drug is: gonadorelin.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lab and/or medical tests (such as vaginal ultrasound, hormone levels, liver tests) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store the unused pen in the refrigerator. If necessary, the unused pen may also be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months. Once used, the pen may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Discard the used pen after 28 days.Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised January 2022. Copyright(c) 2022 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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