menotropins

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

What are menotropins?

Menotropins are a mixture of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH are important in the development of follicles (eggs) that are produced by the ovaries in women.

Menotropins are used to help your body produce multiple eggs during ovulation, in preparation for in-vitro fertilization.

Menotropins may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

• a condition called primary ovarian failure;
• cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary;
• an untreated or uncontrolled disorder of your thyroid or adrenal gland;
• infertility that is not caused by lack of ovulation;
• abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
• an ovarian cyst or enlarged ovaries;
• a tumor of your pituitary gland or hypothalamus; or
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Menotropins will not cause ovulation if your ovaries are not functioning properly.

Your doctor will perform blood tests and a pelvic exam to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using menotropins.

Your male sexual partner's fertility should also be checked before you are treated with menotropins.

To make sure menotropins are safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma;
• a history of stomach surgery;
• a history of ovarian cyst or "torsion" (twisting) of your ovary; or
• risk factors for blood clots (such as diabetes, smoking, heart disease, coronary artery disease, being overweight, having a family history of coronary artery disease).

Using menotropins can increase your chances of having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc). A multiple pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy for the mother and for the babies. Follow your doctor's instructions about any special care you may need during your pregnancy.

Menotropins may also increase your risk of tubal pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, birth defects, or fever after childbirth if you become pregnant after being treated with this medicine. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about these risks.

How should I use menotropins?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

This medicine is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Menotropins come in a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

You may need to use more than 1 vial of menotropins for your entire dose.

After giving the injection, throw away any portion of the mixed medicine that is not used right away. Do not save it for later use.

For the best results from your fertility treatments, follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure the medicine is effective, you will need frequent blood tests and ultrasound exams. You may also need to record your temperature on a daily chart.

Infertility is often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of menotropins.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using menotropins?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of menotropins?

• stomach pain, bloating;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;
• little or no urinating; or
• pain when you breathe, rapid heart rate, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down).

• chest pain, dry cough, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down);
• signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
• signs of a blood clot in your leg --pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.

Common side effects may include:

• stomach cramps or bloating;
• headache; or
• pain, swelling, or warmth where the medicine was injected.

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.

What other drugs will affect menotropins?

Other drugs may interact with menotropins, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about menotropins.