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Home > Drug Category > Fertility Drugs > Gonal-F and Equivalent

Gonal-F Information

Gonal-F (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is a prescription medicine containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Gonal-F is used in infertile women to help healthy ovaries develop (mature) and release an egg to help you get pregnant and cause your ovaries to make multiple (more than 1) eggs as part of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program. Gonal-F is also used in infertile men to help develop and produce mature sperm. Gonal-F belongs to a group of medicines called “gonadotropins”. This medication is usually used in combination with another hormone (HCG) to bring about the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation). This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).

Gonal-F Side Effects

The most common side effects of Gonal-F in women may include ovarian cysts, headache, OHSS, stomach pain, pelvic pain, nausea, gas, bleeding between periods; in men, it may include symptoms such as skin problems, breast enlargement, injection site pain, seborrhea, tiredness.
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A cough with bloody mucus, lung problems;
• A lump or swelling in your testicles;
• Bloating, rapid weight gain;
• Birth defects;
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside your womb);
• Fever, sore throat, swollen glands;
• Little or no urination;
• Miscarriage;
• Pregnancy with and birth of multiple babies;
• Severe pain in your lower stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• Signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (fever with shortness of breath or rapid breathing);
• Severe pelvic pain on one side (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS));
• Severe allergic reactions (women or men who have used Gonal-F in the past may have a severe allergic reaction right away when they use Gonal-F again);
• Signs of a blood clot (sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, swelling or redness in an arm or leg);
• Trouble breathing;
• Tumors of the ovary.

Gonal-F Precautions

Do not use Gonal-F if you are a woman or man who is allergic to recombinant human FSH or any of the ingredients in Gonal-F; has a high level of FSH in your blood that show your ovaries (women only) or testes (men only) do not work at all; has uncontrolled thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary problems; has a tumor in your sex organs (uterus, ovaries, or testes) or breasts; has a tumor in your brain, pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Do not use Gonal-F if you are a woman who has abnormal bleeding from your uterus or vagina from an unknown cause; has ovarian cysts or large ovaries from an unknown cause. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have asthma; have an increased risk for blood clots (thrombosis); have ever had a blood clot (thrombosis); have had stomach (abdominal) surgery; have had twisting of your ovary (ovarian torsion); had or have a cyst on your ovary; have polycystic ovarian disease; are pregnant or think you may be pregnant; are breastfeeding; are not an adult. Gonal-F is not for children. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Gonal-F and other medications. You must remain under the care of a doctor while using Gonal-F. Gonal-F is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Do I need a prescription to order Gonal-F?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Gonal-F.