How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Menotropins are a mixture of naturally occurring hormones that include follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Menotropins are used to treat certain types of infertility in women. Menotropins works by stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs.
Menotropins are usually given with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is a hormone that works similarly to LH and helps to ensure that ovulation occurs at the expected time.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Menotropins are no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada and are no longer available under any brand names. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
The dose and duration of menotropins treatment will depend on your circumstances.
The recommended starting dose of menotropins to cause ovulation is 150 IU of menotropins, injected into a muscle or under the skin once a day for 5 days.
The recommended starting dose for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is 225 IU daily.
The dose should not exceed 450 IU, and dosing for more than 12 days is not recommended.
A health care professional will show you how to use this medication properly. Read the patient information leaflet carefully and ask a health care professional any questions you have.
Once the dose of medication has been prepared, it should be used immediately. Discard any unused material.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor and that all doctor's appointments be kept so that progress can be monitored. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to menotropins or any ingredients of this medication
- are pregnant
- have any lesion inside the head, such as a pituitary tumour
- have high levels of FSH (indicating another reason for infertility)
- have infertility that is not caused by the lack of ovulation (unless the medication is being used for in-vitro fertilization)
- have ovarian cysts or enlargement that is not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome
- have uncontrolled thyroid and adrenal gland dysfunction
- have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- bloating
- breast tenderness
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- flushing
- headache
- nausea
- pain, rash, swelling, or irritation at place of injection or elsewhere on the body
- stomach cramping
Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, cramping, or discomfort (temporary)
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- difficulty breathing
- signs of a blood clot in blood vessels (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain, pain and swelling in one leg muscle)
- signs of stroke (e.g., sudden trouble with vision, dizziness, sudden severe and unusual headache, weakness, difficulty speaking)
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., itchy body rash; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue)
- symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHHS; e.g., abdominal or pelvic pain, discomfort, or bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, decreased urination, weight gain)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Blood clots: This medication may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Lung problems: In rare cases, lung problems have been reported with the use of this medication. If you experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or tiring easily with mild exertion, contact your doctor. If you have breathing problems, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Multiple births: This medication may increase the risk of multiple births (e.g., twins). Talk to your doctor about the risks of multiple births before beginning treatment.
Ovarian enlargement: Some women using this medication may experience ovarian enlargement associated with abdominal bloating or pain. In most cases, the pain and bloating will stop without treatment within 2 or 3 weeks. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Treatment with this medication can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHHS). It most often develops after treatment has stopped. With OHHS, too many follicles grow and cause abdominal or pelvic discomfort or pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain. Some women may experience difficulty breathing and diarrhea. OHHS can progress rapidly and may become serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if menotropins pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: This medication is intended for use by women of child-bearing age. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established for children.
Seniors: This medication is intended for use by women of child-bearing age. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established for seniors.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be
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