A child is the biggest dream of every family. But sometimes a little medical help is needed to make that dream come true. If you are someone who has the same hope, and are undergoing treatment for infertility, your doctor may have told you about a vaccine called Urofollitropin. The name may sound a bit complicated. But don't worry, today we will talk about this medicine simply, just like you would tell a friend.
What is Urofollitropin?
Simply put, Urofollitropin is a drug given as an injection to help infertile couples conceive. It contains a hormone that is naturally produced in our bodies. It is called Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, or (FSH) for short.
Think of your ovaries as a flower pot. What this injection does is help healthy flowers (i.e. eggs) bloom in that pot. To be precise, it stimulates the ovaries , making it easier for a healthy egg to mature and be released from the ovary. This greatly increases your chances of getting pregnant. This medicine is available in the market under brands like Bravelle.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health condition. Because, this medicine is not suitable for use with some conditions. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Adrenal or thyroid conditions.
- A pituitary tumor.
- Ovarian cysts or ovarian failure.
- If you have unusual vaginal bleeding that occurs without a cause.
- If you have allergies to this medicine, other hormones, foods, or dyes.
- If you are already pregnant or breastfeeding .
Telling your doctor this information without hiding it is very important for your own safety and the success of your treatment.
How to use the vaccine?
You may be a little scared when you hear the name "vaccine." But don't be. It's a small injection that's given subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Your doctor or a trained nurse will teach you how to give this injection clearly until you're able to do it yourself.
- Take exactly as prescribed: Take the prescribed dose, exactly as prescribed, at the time your doctor tells you. Do not change the time or increase or decrease the dose.
- Dispose of needles safely: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash . There is a special container for them (a `sharps container`). If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor for one. This is very important for your safety and the safety of others.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If this happens, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once . It is also a good idea to inform your doctor that you have missed a dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you may have taken an overdose, 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.
Other things to be aware of when taking this medicine
- See your doctor regularly: Your doctor will need to see you regularly while you are taking this medicine. You will also need to have lab work and scans, such as blood tests to check your hormone levels. These are essential for the success of the treatment and your safety.
- Chances of having twins: Another important thing is that when using this medicine, the ovaries can produce several eggs at once. Therefore, there is a chance of conceiving several children at once, such as twins or triplets. The doctor will explain this to you as well.
- Tell your doctor about other medications: Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking, as some may interact with this vaccine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have minor side effects. But there's nothing to worry about. The most important thing is to tell your doctor if you feel anything unusual. Let's see what these are.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious symptoms that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Stomach pain or bloating | Severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area, a feeling of fullness. |
| Difficulty breathing | Feeling of difficulty breathing. |
| Sudden weight gain, body swelling | Sudden weight gain over a few days, swelling in your arms or legs, and decreased urine output. These could be signs of a serious condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). So report it immediately. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, nausea, vomiting, unusual bleeding. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Acne | Acne or increased acne. |
| Headache and breast pain | Slight headache, breast tenderness. |
| Emotional changes | Feeling angry, restless. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness or slight pain at the injection site. |
How do you store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (3-25 degrees Celsius) away from light. Use the vaccine immediately after mixing. Throw away any remaining solution. Do not use medicine past its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Urofollitropin (FSH) is a hormone injection that stimulates the ovaries to produce children, and is given under the advice of a specialist doctor.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your health information and other medications you are taking.
- Learn how to get vaccinated properly, use it exactly as your doctor tells you. Dispose of used needles safely.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as stomach pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, or sudden weight gain, call your doctor immediately . These could be signs of a serious condition.
- This treatment is for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else . The treatment that suits everyone is different.
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