What Puregon is used for
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is necessary in the growth and development of egg cells in females. In males it is needed in the production of sperm. Puregon can be used in fertility disorders that are caused by a shortage of FSH.
It can also be used in medically assisted reproduction programs, like in-vitro ('test tube') fertilisation.
For further information please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you use Puregon
Do not use Puregon if you:
• you have a tumour of the ovaries, breasts, hypothalamus, uterus, testicles or pituitary gland
• have had unexplained vaginal bleeding,
• have failure of the ovaries,
• are pregnant.
You should also have had an examination by your physician to exclude any anatomical and genital abnormalities. Prior to a woman being treated with Puregon, her partner should have had a semen analysis.
Pregnancy
In pregnancies occurring after treatment with gonadotropic preparations, there is an increased risk of having twins or triplets and even higher order multiple births. Such pregnancies often have obstetric problems and may deliver very prematurely.
Puregon may contain traces of streptomycin or neomycin. Tell your doctor if you think you may be sensitive to these substances.
Do not use this product if it has passed the expiry, use-by date or if the cartridge is damaged.

Using Puregon
How much
The dose is chosen by the doctor.
Female: Treatment is usually started with 75 to 150 IU of follitropin beta. Injections are usually given daily for a week or two.
Male: Treatment is 75 IU of follitropin beta given daily or 2 to 3 times a week. Treatment is continued for at least 3 months.
How the injections are given
Puregon solution in cartridges should be injected under the skin (for instance in the abdominal wall) using the Puregon Injector Pen. The instructions for using the pen must be followed carefully.
By whom
The injections should be given by a doctor or nurse. In some circumstances you may inject yourself, but your doctor will tell you when and how to do this.
If you forget to take it
Contact your doctor as soon as possible, for advice.
 
While you are using Puregon
Interactions with other medication
Use of other fertility drugs may affect your body's response to Puregon. The doctor may need to change the amount of Puregon you receive.
Ability to drive or operate machinery
As far as is known, Puregon has no effect on alertness and concentration.
If you are unsure of any of the aspects of this product, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects of Puregon
Things to be careful of
In women, treatment with Puregon may lead to unwanted overstimulation of the ovaries.
This may be noticed as pain in the abdomen. If you are troubled with pain in the abdomen or pelvis, contact your doctor without delay. Other symptoms of overstimulation can include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, shortness of breath, reduced amounts of urine, diarrhoea and painful breasts.
Things you must do
Close supervision of your treatment by a doctor is very important. Usually ultrasound scans of the ovaries are performed, and blood and urine samples are taken at least every other day. The results of these tests allow the doctor to choose the proper dose from day to day. This is very important since too high a dose may lead to unwanted overstimulation of the ovaries.
Since overstimulation can occur rapidly you must contact your doctor if you experience any of the following: pain in the abdomen or pelvis, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, shortness of breath, reduced amounts of urine, diarrhoea and painful breasts.
Pregnancy
In pregnancies occurring after treatment with this product there is an increased risk of having twins or triplets and even higher order multiple births. Such pregnancies often have obstetric problems and may deliver very prematurely.
Overdose
The acute toxicity (unwanted effects) of Puregon has been shown to be very low.
In women, treatment with Puregon may lead to unwanted overstimulation of the ovaries.

After Using Puregon
Storage
The product can be stored in the refrigerator and used until the expiry date as printed on the label after 'exp.'. Do not use after this date.
Alternatively if the product can not be refrigerated, you may store it in a cool dark place (below 25°C) and use within 90 days.
Note: The product should not be kept above 25°C, refrigerate if necessary
After starting to use a cartridge, Puregon may be stored below 25°C (do not freeze) for a maximum of 28 days.
Disposal
Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist.