- Brand Name : Gonal-F
- Drug Class : Ovulation Stimulators, Gonadotropins
- Medical Author : Dr. Vinod Katiboina, Pharm. D.
- Medical Reviewer : Divya Jacob, Pharm. D.
- _eael_post_view_count : 9
What Is Follitropin Alfa and How Does It Work?
Follitropin Alfa is a synthetic form of follicle-stimulating hormone used in assisted reproductive technology to stimulate the development of ovarian follicles in women who are undergoing infertility treatment. It is used in combination with other medications, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to induce ovulation and increase the chances of pregnancy.
Follitropin Alfa is also used to stimulate the production of sperm in cases of male infertilty.
- Follitropin Alfa is available under the following different brand names: Gonal-f, Gonal-f RFF.
What Are the Side Effects Associated with Using Follitropin Alfa?
Common side effects of Follitropin Alfa include:
- Redness, swelling, or bruising where an injection was given,
- An ovarian cyst,
- Headache,
- Tiredness,
- Breast pain or swelling,
- Stuffy nose,
- Sneezing,
- Sinus pain,
- Acne, and
- Nausea
Serious side effects of Follitropin Alfa include:
- Hives,
- Difficulty breathing,
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
- Severe pain in the lower stomach,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Bloating,
- Rapid weight gain,
- Little or no urination,
- Trouble breathing,
- Severe pelvic pain on one side,
- Cough with bloody mucus,
- Fever,
- Sore throat,
- Swollen glands,
- A lump or swelling in the testicles,
- Fever with shortness of breath or rapid breathing,
- Sudden numbness or weakness,
- Problems with vision or speech, and
- Swelling or redness in an arm or leg
Rare side effects of Follitropin Alfa include:
- None
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
- Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.