Puregon Injection

• In men who are infertile due to lowered hormone levels, Puregon can be used for the production of sperm.

How does it work?

• Puregon 600 IU/0.72 ml solution for injection contains follitropin beta, a hormone known as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• FSH belongs to the group of gonadotrophins, which play an important role in human fertility and reproduction.
• In women, FSH is needed for the growth and development of follicles in the ovaries.
• Follicles are small round sacs that contain the egg cells. In men, FSH is needed for the production of sperm.

When and how do I use it?

• Puregon solution for injection in cartridges has been developed for use in the Puregon Pen. Puregon also comes in solution for injection which is not designed for the pen. The separate instructions for using the pen must be followed carefully. Do not use the cartridge if the solution contains particles or if the solution is not clear.
• Using the pen, injections just under the skin (in the lower stomach, for example) can be given by yourself or your partner. Your doctor will tell you when and how to do this. If you inject yourself with Puregon, follow the instructions carefully to give Puregon properly and with minimal discomfort.

The very first injection of Puregon should only be given in the presence of a doctor or nurse.

What’s the dose?

Your doctor will decide how much you should take depending on your response to the first dose.

Could it interact with other tablets?

• If Puregon is used in a combination with clomifene citrate, the effect of Puregon may be increased .
• If a GnRH agonist (a medicine used to prevent early ovulation) has been given, higher doses of Puregon may be needed.
• Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Herbal products should also only be taken after talking with your doctor.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Like all medicines, Puregon can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. At the site of injection minor side effects can occur such as: bruising, pain, redness, swelling and itching. Occasionally, more widespread reactions like rash have been observed.

In women:

• A complication with FSH treatment is hyperstimulation of the ovaries. This condition can become very serious, but the chance of having it can be reduced by checking the effect of Puregon during treatment. Your doctor will take care of that. Pain in the stomach, feeling sick or diarrhoea are the first symptoms. In more severe cases symptoms may include enlargement of the ovaries, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and/or chest, blood clots in the circulation and weight gain.

Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing stomach pains, or any of the other symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation, also if this occurs some days after the last injection.

• Rarely, blood clots may occur as a side effect of it’s own.
• Other side effects are headache and nausea.

In men:

• Some breast development or acne may occur due to Puregon/hCG treatment.
• If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

• There are no known interactions between alcohol and Puregon.
• Always ask you doctor or pharmacist however as other medications you are taking may have a bearing on this.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

You should not use Puregon if you are already pregnant, or suspect you might be pregnant.

You should not use Puregon if you are breast-feeding.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.merck.ca/assets/en/pdf/products/ci/PUREGON-CI_E.pdf

http://www.medbroadcast.com/Drug/GetDrug/Puregon

http://www.drugs.com/uk/puregon.html

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/pregnancy/a7430/puregon-follitropin-beta/