Pergonal

 
Generic Name: menotropins (injectable)

Brands: Humegon, Pergonal, Repronex

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What is the most important information I should know about Pergonal?

· Menotropins may increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births may carry additional risk both for the mother and for the fetuses.

 

What are Pergonal?

· Menotropins are an equal mixture of the naturally occurring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH are important for the development of follicles (eggs) produced by the ovaries and for the development of sperm.

· Menotropins are used to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg) when a woman's ovaries can produce a follicle but hormonal stimulation is deficient. Menotropins are also used to stimulate the development of multiple eggs for in vitro fertilization. Likewise, Pergonal are used to stimulate the production of sperm in men who have functioning testes but in whom hormonal stimulation is deficient.

· Menotropins may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Pergonal?

· Menotropins will not induce ovulation or sperm production if your ovaries or testes are not functioning properly.

· Do not use Pergonal without first taking to your doctor if you     ·might be pregnant;     ·have a thyroid problem;     ·have cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland;     ·have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding;     ·have ovarian cysts or enlargement; or     ·have any other serious or chronic medical illness.

· You may not be able to use Pergonal, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Do not use Pergonal if you are pregnant. Menotropins are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that they are known to cause birth defects.

· It is not known whether Pergonal pass into breast milk. Do not use Pergonal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I use Pergonal?

· Use Pergonal exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

· Formulations of Pergonal intended for intramuscular injection (an injection into muscle) must not be administered subcutaneously (under the skin), and vice versa. If you are administering this medication at home, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to mix the solution and give yourself the injection. Do not inject Pergonal if you are not sure how.

· Use the solution immediately after it is mixed. Throw away any medicine that is left over.

· To induce ovulation, women usually inject Pergonal every day for 7 to 12 days in a row. Men usually inject Pergonal three times a week. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal container.

· Store Pergonal at room temperature or in the refrigerator, away from direct light, moisture, and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Pergonal. Do not use a double dose of this medication without first talking to your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· An overdose of Pergonal is unlikely to threaten life. Notify your doctor immediately or call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

· Symptoms of a Pergonal overdose are not known. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may result with an overdose of Pergonal. Symptoms of OHSS include swelling of the hands or legs, abdominal pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, and nausea or vomiting. OHSS can be fatal.

 

What should I avoid while using Pergonal?

· There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during therapy with Pergonal unless your doctor directs otherwise.

 

What are the possible side effects of Pergonal?

· Stop using Pergonal and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Less than 2% of female patients treated with Pergonal develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first cycle of therapy. Symptoms of OHSS include swelling of the hands or legs, abdominal pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, and nausea or vomiting. OHSS can be fatal. Notify your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of the side effects.

· Other side effects may also occur. Notify your doctor if you experience     ·ovarian enlargement presenting as abdominal or pelvic pain, tenderness, pressure, or swelling;     ·nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;     ·shortness of breath;     ·pain, warmth, or tenderness centralized in an arm or leg;     ·fever or chills;     ·headache or drowsiness;     ·weakness or aching of muscles or joints;     ·breast enlargement or tenderness;     ·pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site; or     ·rash.

· Menotropins may increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births may carry additional risk both for the mother and for the fetuses.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Pergonal?

· It is not known whether other medications will interact with Pergonal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Pergonal written for health professionals that you may read.