Gonal F

What is it?

A hormonal, gonadotrophin preparation (stimulating the ovaries and testes), available as a powder in ampoules with diluent for reconstitution and injection, in three strengths, containing 37.5iu, 75iu or 150iu of folitropin alfa. Also, available as powder in vial with solvent in pre-prepared syringe containing 600iu folitropin alfa per ml.

Medical Uses

Infertility; in males, used in conjunction with human chorionic gonadotrophin to stimulate sperm production in the testes where there is underactivity due to low levels of natural gonadotrophin. In females, to stimulate ovulation in women in whom this is not occurring naturally and who have been previously treated with clomiphene citrate. Also, stimulation of several follicles in order to harvest eggs for IVF, GIFT or ZIFT (fertility treatments).

Dosage

Men, 150iu by subcutaneous injection 3 times each week for at least 4 months and possibly for more than 18 months. Sperm samples should be checked after 4 to 6 months of treatment. Women, anovulation (absence of ovulation), start with 75 to 150iu each day by subcutaneous injection ( Also, see manufacturer's prescribing notes), and monitor response. Superovulation (stimulation of several follicles) �150 to 225iu each day by subcutaneous injection beginning on second or third day of cycle and usually following two weeks of GnRh agonist treatment, response should be monitored.

Special Care

Women, abnormalities should be excluded before treatment starts and size of ovaries, along with response to oestrogen, to avoid overstimulation.

Avoid Use

Children; in men, primary testicular insufficiency. In women, pregnancy, cancers of ovary, womb, or breast, tumours in pituitary gland or hypothalamus, enlarged ovaries, ovarian cysts.