Fertinex

Fertinex Ingredients: Urofollitropin
Representative Names: Bravelle, Fertinex

What is Fertinex, FSH Injection ?
Fertinex contains the hormone follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), a natural hormone produced in the body of both men and women. In women, FSH helps stimulate the development of eggs within the ovary. Fertinex is used to treat women who have not been able to become pregnant because of problems with ovulation; this drug is used with other fertility drugs. This drug is also used in certain in vitro fertilization ('test tube baby') programs. For some men with infertility, urofollitropin helps to stimulate the production of sperm. Generic urofollitropin injections are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Fertinex, FSH ?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•abnormal or unusual uterine or vaginal bleeding
•conditions affecting your adrenal gland or thyroid gland
•asthma
•brain tumor or certain other kinds of cancer
•enlarged ovaries or ovarian cyst
•failure of the ovaries to produce eggs
•testicular failure
•an unusual reaction to urofollitropin, FSH, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should Fertinex be used ?
Fertinex is for injection into a muscle or under the skin; different brands of urofollitropin may be given in different ways. This drug is usually given under the direct supervision of a prescriber or health care professional with experience in managing fertility disorders, in a place where appropriate laboratory testing is available. Sometimes urofollitropin can be given by injection at home. If you are using this medicine at home, you should 1) understand and use the proper method of safely preparing the medicine if you are going to prepare your own medicine, 2) wash your hands with soap and water and use a clean work area to prepare your injection, 3) make sure you clearly understand and carefully follow your prescriber's instructions on how to give yourself an injection, including using the proper needle and syringe, 4) not inject more or less of the medicine than your prescriber or health care professional ordered, 5) remember to move the site of injection to different areas to prevent skin problems from developing, and 6) throw away needles, syringes, bottles, and unused medicine after the injection in a safe manner.

For men: Depending on how the urofollitropin will be used, the length of treatment, and your comfort, your health care professional may teach you how to give your own injections. Otherwise the injections will be given by a trained health care professional in the prescriber's office, clinic, or by home health care.

For women receiving infertility treatments: Your fertility specialist will explain the needed procedures. Tell your prescriber or health care professional when you use the last dose of urofollitropin. It is often required that another hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) be given after the last dose of urofollitropin therapy. Your prescriber or health care professional will give you this medicine or arrange for you to get this medicine at the right time.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a Fertinex dose ?
For men: Try not to miss a dose. If you are giving your own injections, and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you forget until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule. Do not use double or extra doses. Call your prescriber if you have any questions.

For women receiving infertility treatments: It is important not to miss a dose, as the success of your fertility treatments depends on proper use of this medication, and fertility treatments are expensive. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you are giving your own injections, do not use double or extra doses. Call your prescriber if you have any questions.

What drug(s) may interact with Fertinex, FSH ?
•some herbal medicines or dietary supplements may interfere with fertility treatments

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Fertinex, FSH ?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Any symptoms of rare allergic reactions (men or women):
•difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
•itching
•skin rash or hives
•swelling of the areas of the mouth or throat

For men:
•acne (pimples)
•any unusual symptoms or pain of penis or testes
•breast enlargement

For women on fertility treatments:
•chest pain, sudden shortness of breath
•difficulty breathing
•fluid retention
•indigestion
•nausea, vomiting
•passing small amounts of urine
•stomach area or pelvic pain or bloating
•swelling of any area of the body
•rapid weight gain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•breast tenderness
•headache
•mood changes, such as irritability, restless feelings, or anger
•pain, irritation or inflammation at the injection site
•tiredness

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. How long this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and the length of time you used it. During this time, check with your prescriber or health care professional immediately if you notice any of the following side effects:
•nausea or vomiting
•severe abdominal pain
•swelling and rapid weight gain

What should I watch for while taking Fertinex, FSH ?
You may get dizzy. If this occurs, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other activities requiring alertness while using urofollitropin and for 24 hours after you stop using it.

For women on urofollitropin for fertility treatments:
Your prescriber or health care professional must closely monitor you.

It is important to keep all records required by your health care professional on body temperature and intercourse, and to carefully follow any directions for urine or blood testing or ultrasound exams. If you think you have become pregnant, contact your prescriber at once.

Certain fertility treatments increase your chances of having multiple babies, like twins or triplets.

Drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking tobacco may decrease some person's chances of becoming pregnant. Talk with your health care professional about not drinking alcohol and decreasing tobacco use during your fertility treatments.

If abdominal pain occurs while using urofollitropin, discontinue treatment and call your prescriber or health care professional immediately. Do not receive the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and avoid sexual intercourse.

For males on urofollitropin to treat infertility problems:
Your prescriber or health care professional must closely monitor you. Notify your prescriber if you notice any unusual effects from this medication.

Where can I keep Fertinex ?
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store undiluted powder in the refrigerator or at room temperature at 3—25 degrees C (37—77 degrees F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. After the powder is dissolved, use immediately and throw away any unused medicine left in the vial. Discard medicine after the expiration date.