Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone

Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone is used in the treatment of infertility in women. It is also helpful in the treatment of male hypogonadism (delayed puberty, and low sperm count). It works by releasing the eggs from the ovary in women and by increasing the testosterone level in men.

Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone is given as an injection under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide the right time to take the injection, so always follow your doctor's advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you.

The most common side effects of this medicine include allergic reactions, headache, swelling of the breast in males, and acne. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease, or had an ovarian cyst, or had thyroid gland disorder. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should avoid alcohol or have to follow doctor advice related to diet while taking this medicine.

• Female infertility
• Male hypogonadism

Female infertility
Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone helps in normal development of an egg in a woman's ovary (female reproductive organ), and stimulates the release of a healthy, matured egg. This helps to treat infertility in women and increases the chance of a successful pregnancy. It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-administered. You should use the medicine as prescribed for it to be effective.

Male hypogonadism
Male Hypogonadism is the improper functioning of reproductive organs, that is, testes in males, which causes failure to produce sex hormones required for fertility. Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone acts as the male sex hormone, testosterone and therefore, improves sperm production in males. This can reduce infertility and helps to treat hypogonadism in males. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the most benefit.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Foligraf

• Injection site allergic reaction
• Headache
• Acne
• Swelling of breast in male
• Abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Ovarian cysts
• Rash

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone is a hormone. In females, it works by stimulating the release of estrogen which helps in the growth and development of the egg before release. In males, it helps in the production of sperms.

• It may also be used to stimulate sperm formation in men.
• The injection is administered under the skin. Follow the recommended dosage and monitoring schedules to minimise the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you have severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight gain, trouble breathing, or decreased or no urination during treatment, as these could be symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
• Do not use Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone if you are already pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone stimulates the production of eggs in women undergoing treatment for infertility.
• Your doctor may prescribe more than one medicine as part of your suggested pregnancy plan.
• Pregnancy following treatment with Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone is more likely to result in a multiple pregnancy (twins or more).

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Masters SB. Hypothalamic & Pituitary Hormones. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 650-53.

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