menotropins (injectable) Health Article

Generic name(s):

menotropins (injectable)

Brand name(s):

menotropins, Menopur, Repronex

What is the most important information I should know about menotropins?

Menotropins may increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births may carry additional risk both for the mother and for the fetuses.

What are menotropins?

Menotropins are an equal mixture of the naturally occurring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH are important for the development of follicles (eggs) produced by the ovaries and for the development of sperm.

Menotropins are used to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg) when a woman's ovaries can produce a follicle but hormonal stimulation is deficient. Menotropins are also used to stimulate the development of multiple eggs for in vitro fertilization. Likewise, menotropins are used to stimulate the production of sperm in men who have functioning testes but in whom hormonal stimulation is deficient.

Menotropins may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using menotropins?

Menotropins will not induce ovulation or sperm production if your ovaries or testes are not functioning properly.

Do not use menotropins without first taking to your doctor if you

• might be pregnant;

• have a thyroid problem;

• have cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland;

• have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding;

• have ovarian cysts or enlargement; or

• have any other serious or chronic medical illness.

You may not be able to use menotropins, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not use menotropins if you are pregnant. Menotropins are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that they are known to cause birth defects. It is not known whether menotropins pass into breast milk. Do not use menotropins without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use menotropins?

Use menotropins exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Formulations of menotropins intended for intramuscular injection (an injection into muscle) must not be administered subcutaneously (under the skin), and vice versa. If you are administering this medication at home, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to mix the solution and give yourself the injection. Do not inject menotropins if you are not sure how.

Use the solution immediately after it is mixed. Throw away any medicine that is left over.

Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal container.

Store menotropins at room temperature or in the refrigerator, away from direct light, moisture, and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of menotropins. Do not use a double dose of this medication without first talking to your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of menotropins is unlikely to threaten life. Notify your doctor immediately or call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

Symptoms of a menotropins overdose are not known. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may result with an overdose of menotropins. Symptoms of OHSS include swelling of the hands or legs, abdominal pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, and nausea or vomiting. OHSS can be fatal.

What should I avoid while using menotropins?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during therapy with menotropins unless your doctor directs otherwise.