Gonal-F contains a hormone called follitropin alfa. Follitropin Alfa is used in the treatment of infertility or as part of a programme of treatment in assisted reproduction.
Why have I been prescribed Gonal-F?
Gonal-F contains a hormone called follitropin alfa. Follitropin Alfa is used in the treatment of infertility or as part of a programme of treatment in assisted reproduction.
How does it work?
Gonal-F is a preparation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH works by stimulating the ovaries to mature egg follicles
When and how do I use it?
Gonal-F is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous), usually once daily.
What’s the dose?
Your doctor will decide how much you should take depending on what you are taking it for.
Could it interact with other tablets?
Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.
The following medicines may interact with Follitropin Alfa:
- clomifene
- human chorionic gonadotrophin
- The following types of medicine may interact with Follitropin Alfa:
- gonadorelin analogues
- gonadorelin antagonists
- medicines that stimulate ovulation
If you are taking Follitropin Alfa and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.
Herbal products should also only be taken after talking with your doctor.
What are the possible risks or side-effects?
Everyone's reaction to a medicine is different. It is difficult to predict which side-effects you will have from taking a particular medicine, or whether you will have any side-effects at all. The important thing is to tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you are having problems with your medicine.
Very common:
- headaches
- injection site problems such as pain, redness, bruising, swelling or irritation
- ovarian cysts
Common:
- gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, bloating or cramps
- ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome which may lead to a pulmonary embolism, a heart attack or a stroke.
You may experience stomach pain or distension, weight gain, breathing difficulties, urinating more or more often, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, build up of fluid in the abdominal cavities or bleeding into the abdominal cavity or respiratory distress - seek medical advice if you develop any of these symptoms
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
There are no known interactions between alcohol and Gonal-F.
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?
Gonal-F is not used during pregnancy.
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.rxlist.com/gonal-f-drug.htm
http://www.drugs.com/pro/gonal-f.html
https://fertilitylifelines.com/?q=fertility-treatments/fertility-treatment-information/Gonal-f-RFF-75-iu-vial
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/pregnancy/a6815/gonal-f-follitropin-alfa/