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Follitropin Alfa: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Follitropin Alfa is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) used in the management of infertility.
About Follitropin Alfa
Indications of Follitropin Alfa
Follitropin Alfa is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) used in the management of infertility. Its uses are classified by strength of evidence below.
Established / FDA-approved indications
- Ovulation induction: Follitropin Alfa is indicated for induction of ovulation and pregnancy in oligo-anovulatory infertile women in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure.
- Controlled ovarian stimulation for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Follitropin Alfa is indicated for development of multiple follicles in ovulatory infertile women participating in an ART program (e.g. in-vitro fertilisation, IVF).
- Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: Follitropin Alfa, in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary or secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the cause is not primary testicular failure.
Adjunct / combination-therapy uses
- In ART cycles, Follitropin Alfa is typically used together with a GnRH agonist or GnRH antagonist to prevent a premature LH surge, and with hCG or an LH-activity agent to trigger final oocyte maturation.
- In male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Follitropin Alfa is used only after pretreatment with hCG alone has failed to achieve adequate response, and is always combined with continued hCG therapy.
Follitropin Alfa is not indicated for use during pregnancy and is not a treatment for male or female infertility caused by primary gonadal failure.
Dosage & Administration of Follitropin Alfa
Treatment with Follitropin Alfa must be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in the treatment of infertility, with facilities for hormonal monitoring (serum estradiol, ultrasound follicle tracking). Dosage is individualised based on ovarian/testicular response and is summarized per indication below.
| Indication | Typical starting dose | Adjustment | Maximum daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ovulation induction (anovulatory women) | 75 IU subcutaneously once daily for the first 14 days | Increase by 37.5-75 IU at intervals of 7 days if response is inadequate | Generally not to exceed 300 IU/day; cycle abandoned if no adequate response after about 5 weeks |
| Controlled ovarian stimulation for ART/IVF | 150-225 IU subcutaneously once daily starting on cycle day 2 or 3, often with a GnRH agonist/antagonist | Adjusted every 3-5 days by 75-150 IU based on ovarian response; hCG (or equivalent) given to trigger final maturation once follicles are adequate | Up to 450 IU/day in some protocols |
| Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism | After 3-6 months of hCG pretreatment: 150 IU Follitropin Alfa subcutaneously three times weekly, together with continued hCG | Continue combination for a minimum of 3-4 months before assessing sperm response; may need longer therapy (up to 18 months) | Individualised; per specialist assessment |
See Administration below for injection technique, and Duration of Treatment for expected cycle length.
Side Effects of Follitropin Alfa
The most common adverse effects reported with Follitropin Alfa differ by sex and treatment context.
In women
- Headache, nausea, abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating
- Ovarian cyst formation, injection-site reactions (pain, redness, bruising)
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - see Precautions and Warnings for details
- Intermenstrual bleeding, breast tenderness
In men
- Acne, injection-site pain, fatigue
- Gynecomastia (breast enlargement), seborrhea
Serious but less common effects include thromboembolic events and ovarian torsion; patients should seek urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain, breathlessness, leg swelling, or rapid weight gain.
Contraindications of Follitropin Alfa
Follitropin Alfa is contraindicated in the following situations:
- Known hypersensitivity to Follitropin Alfa or any component of the formulation
- Tumours of the ovary, breast, uterus, testis, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus
- Primary ovarian failure (elevated FSH indicating gonadal failure)
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Ovarian cysts or enlargement not due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Sex-hormone-dependent tumours of the reproductive tract or accessory organs
- Pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions about Follitropin Alfa
What is Follitropin Alfa used for?
Follitropin Alfa is a recombinant FSH hormone used to stimulate ovulation in women with anovulatory infertility, to stimulate multiple follicle development for IVF/ART cycles, and to induce sperm production in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, always under specialist supervision.
How is Follitropin Alfa given?
Follitropin Alfa is given as a subcutaneous injection, usually once daily (or three times weekly for men), often self-administered using a pre-filled pen or a reconstituted vial, at a dose individualised by your fertility specialist based on monitoring results.
What is the most serious risk of Follitropin Alfa treatment?
The most serious risk of Follitropin Alfa is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially life-threatening condition involving fluid shifts, abdominal swelling, and blood clot risk; multiple pregnancy is also significantly more common with Follitropin Alfa treatment. Your doctor will monitor you closely with ultrasound and blood tests to reduce these risks.
Can Follitropin Alfa be used during pregnancy?
No. Follitropin Alfa is contraindicated once pregnancy is confirmed and has no role in treatment during an established pregnancy; it should be stopped as soon as pregnancy is diagnosed. Discuss any fertility treatment plans carefully with your physician.
Who should not use Follitropin Alfa?
Follitropin Alfa should not be used by anyone with known hypersensitivity to it, primary ovarian failure, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, ovarian cysts unrelated to PCOS, tumours of the ovary/breast/uterus/testis/pituitary/hypothalamus, or by women who are already pregnant.
Does Follitropin Alfa need to be refrigerated?
Most Follitropin Alfa products should be stored refrigerated at 2-8°C, though some may be kept briefly at room temperature per the specific product's instructions; always check the package leaflet, avoid freezing, and keep it away from children and direct light.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.