A child is the most beautiful dream of every family. But sometimes a little medical help may be needed to make this dream come true. If you are someone who has such a hope in mind and is seeking medical advice, you may have heard of Follitropin , a vaccine known in our country under the brand name Gonal-F®. So today, let's talk about this in a little more detail and very simply.
What actually happens with this injection called Follitropin?
Simply put, this is a type of hormone . Its main function is to help with fertility issues.
For women, this medicine mainly stimulates the development of eggs in the ovaries . Some women may have difficulty getting pregnant due to problems with ovulation. In such cases, this injection is very useful. It is also used in special treatments such as in vitro fertilization ( IVF ).
On the male side, some men's infertility is caused by low sperm production. This vaccine helps stimulate that sperm production .
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
This is a very important part. Your doctor will want to know your complete health history before starting this treatment. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have unusual vaginal bleeding.
- If you have asthma .
- If you have a brain tumor or other cancerous condition.
- If you have thyroid or adrenal gland problems.
- If the ovaries are swollen or have cysts .
- If you have a condition where the ovaries are not functioning properly (ovarian failure).
- If there is a blockage in the fallopian tubes.
- (For men) If there is a problem with the functioning of the testicles .
- If you have allergies to Follitropin or other hormones, other medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How is this vaccine used?
This is a subcutaneous injection. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nursing staff who is experienced in this type of treatment.
But sometimes you may have to try this at home. If so, your doctor or nurse will give you the full training you need to do it. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly . Take the medicine at the right time, in the right amount.
Very important: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special container that is specifically designed for disposal (a sharps container). If you don't have one, you can get one from your doctor.
What to do if the medication is too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose of medication, call your doctor for advice on what to do next.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel a little drowsy and dizzy. So it's wise to avoid activities that require a lot of concentration, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how it affects your body.
- Medical records and tests: Keep accurate records of body temperature and sexual intercourse dates as prescribed by the doctor. Also, if there are any urine tests, blood tests, or scans (ultrasound) on the scheduled dates, it is very important for the success of the treatment.
- Multiple pregnancies: Keep in mind that some fertility treatments like this increase the chance of conceiving multiple babies at once, such as twins or triplets.
- Severe stomach pain: This is something to watch out for. If you experience unbearable stomach pain or bloating while taking the medication, stop taking the medication immediately and talk to your doctor . Also, do not get the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injection and avoid having sex.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any medication, there are some possible side effects. Let's break them down by severity.
| Nature of the side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Fluid accumulation in the body | Sudden weight gain, decreased urine output. |
| Abdominal or pelvic pain | Severe stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot in the leg | Pain, swelling, and redness in one leg. |
| Especially for men | Breast enlargement, unusual pain or change in the testicles. |
| General characteristics | Headaches, acne, breast pain/tenderness, fatigue. |
| Mental changes | Feelings of anger and restlessness. |
| At the injection site | Pain, redness, slight swelling or inflammation. |
How do you store this medicine?
To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored properly.
- Keep out of reach of children .
- The vial containing the powder can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature (between 2-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from light .
- After reconstituting the powder, the multi-dose vial and pen can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days.
- Single-use vials should be used immediately after reconstitution.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Follitropin is a hormone injection that helps develop eggs in women and sperm production in men.
- Before starting treatment, you must tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Follow the instructions given exactly on how to inject and store the vaccine.
- Severe stomach pain is a serious warning sign. If this happens, stop taking the medicine immediately and call your doctor.
- Do not miss any scheduled appointments or tests. Regular monitoring is very important during this treatment.
- If you have any doubts about this medication or its side effects, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
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