Follitropin Beta Injection

FOLLITROPIN BETA (fol li TROE pin BAY ta) treats irregular or absent ovulation in people trying to get pregnant. It works by helping the body release an egg (ovulation), which increases the chance of pregnancy. It may also be used to treat low sperm count. It works by helping the body make more sperm. It is often used as part of a fertility treatment program.

This medication is injected under the skin. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome—stomach or pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain
• Trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Stomach pain

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in the refrigerator.

The medication may also be stored at room temperature, at approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 3 months or until the expiration date, whichever occurs first. Do not freeze. Once the rubber stopper of the cartridge has been pierced by a needle, the product can only be stored for a maximum of 28 days in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding
• Asthma
• Blood clots
• Cancer
• Conditions affecting your adrenal or thyroid gland
• Enlarged ovaries or ovarian cyst
• Had stomach surgery
• Fallopian tube blockage
• Ovarian insufficiency
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• An unusual or allergic reaction to follitropin beta, neomycin, streptomycin, other hormones, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant
• Breast-feeding

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Chasteberry

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Black cohosh

It is important not to miss your dose. Talk to your care team about what to do if you miss a dose.

It is important to keep all records required by your care team 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 care team at once.

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

If stomach pain occurs while you are using this medication, discontinue treatment and call your care team immediately. Do not use the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and avoid sexual intercourse.