menotropins (injectable)

	What is the most important information I should know about menotropins?
	What are menotropins?
	What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using menotropins?
	How should I use menotropins?
	What happens if I miss a dose?
	What happens if I overdose?
	What should I avoid while using menotropins?
	What are the possible side effects of menotropins?
	What other drugs will affect menotropins?
	Where can I get more information?
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Menotropins may increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births may carry additional risk both for the mother and for the fetuses.

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, menotropins 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.

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

Do not use menotropins 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 menotropins, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not use menotropins 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 menotropins pass into breast milk. Do not use menotropins without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use menotropins 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 menotropins 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 menotropins if you are not sure how.

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

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

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

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

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

Symptoms of a menotropins overdose are not known. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may result with an overdose of menotropins. 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.

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

Stop using menotropins 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 menotropins 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 these side effects.

Serious pulmonary (lung and breathing) conditions have been reported in patients using menotropins. Seek medical attention if you experience any sudden changes in your breathing.

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.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is not known whether other medications will interact with menotropins. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about menotropins.