If you dream of becoming a mother, you may sometimes need a little medical help. It is very common. Especially if your ovaries are not ovulating properly, which is why fertility is delayed, this special treatment that doctors recommend is called the follitropin injection. Don't be afraid when you hear this name. We will talk about everything very simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is Follitropin?
Simply put, follitropin is a lab-made hormone that is very similar to a hormone produced naturally in our bodies. Its main function is to stimulate a woman's ovaries and help healthy eggs develop and mature.
Think of it like adding some fertilizer to a garden to help plants grow well. This hormone helps the ovaries develop the eggs well.
Who usually needs this treatment?
- Women who have difficulty getting pregnant due to problems with ovulation.
- For women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) such as IVF, multiple, healthy eggs are developed from the ovaries at once.
This medication often comes under the brand name Follistim.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start this treatment, it is very important to talk to your doctor completely openly. He or she should be aware of any health problems you may have. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Unusual vaginal bleeding | The reason for this must be investigated first. |
| Asthma disease | Hormone therapy can sometimes change symptoms. |
| A brain tumor or other cancerous condition | This hormone may affect some types of cancer. |
| Thyroid or adrenal gland diseases | Hormonal balance in the body is important. |
| Enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts | This treatment may complicate the condition. |
| Ovarian failure | In this situation, this treatment may not be successful. |
| Blocked fallopian tubes | Other methods of getting pregnant may be necessary at this time. |
| Allergies to a medicine, hormone, or food | This is essential to prevent allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant or breastfeeding | This medicine should not be used in these cases. |
How is this vaccine used?
This is an injection under the skin. It is usually given by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic.
But sometimes you may need to give yourself this vaccine at home. If that happens, you will be given proper training on how to do it and how to prepare the medicine. Never use it in a way that is different from the way you were told to use it. Take the exact dose at the exact time.
Very important: Never throw your used needles and syringes into the general trash. They can be very harmful to others. They should be collected in a special sharps container and disposed of properly. If you don't have one, you can get one from your doctor or clinic.
What to do if the medication dose increases?
If you think you have taken more medicine than prescribed, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Try your best not to skip a dose of medication. Because taking your medication on time is very important in this treatment. If you miss a dose, do not make a decision on your own, but call your doctor immediately for advice.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Driving and operating machinery: This medicine may sometimes make you feel a little dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Record keeping: Follow your doctor's instructions to keep a record of things like your body temperature, the days you have sex, etc. Also, be sure to go for urine/blood tests and ultrasound exams on the dates they are scheduled.
- Twins: There is a slightly higher than average chance of having twins or triplets with this type of fertility treatment. Your doctor will discuss this with you as well.
- If you suspect you are pregnant: If you think you may be pregnant during treatment, inform your medical team immediately.
Warning to watch out for: If you experience severe stomach cramps, bloating, or abdominal pain during treatment, stop taking the injection immediately and call your doctor. In such a case, do not take the next dose of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) or have sex.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Most people don't experience these, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, chest tightness. |
| Severe abdominal pain or bloating | This could be ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). |
| Rapid weight gain, swelling | Fluid retention. |
| Decreased urine output | Kidney function may be affected. |
| Leg pain, swelling, redness | This may be a sign of a blood clot. |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist. | |
| Headache | It can be reduced by resting and drinking water. |
| Breast pain or tenderness | It is a temporary condition caused by hormonal changes. |
| Acne formation | It may be caused by hormonal influences. |
| Pain and redness at the injection site | This usually goes away in a day or two. |
| Mood changes | Things like getting angry quickly and being restless. |
How do you store the medicine?
It is very important to store this medicine properly.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Usually, it should be kept in the refrigerator .
- It can be stored at room temperature (around 25 degrees Celsius) for up to 3 months or until the expiration date (whichever comes first). Never put it in the freezer.
- If you are using a cartridge, after inserting the needle into the rubber cap, it can only be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a maximum of 28 days.
- Protect from light.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Follitropin is a special hormone treatment given to some women with delayed fertility, upon the recommendation of a doctor.
- Before starting treatment, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies.
- Follow the instructions carefully regarding the method, timing, and dose of the vaccine. Dispose of used needles safely.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe stomach cramps, difficulty breathing, or body swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- You are not alone on this journey. Your doctor and medical team are here to help you. So if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න