Description
Indications
Fostimon is a prescription medicine used to stimulate ovulation in women who are not producing eggs and have not shown improvement with alternative treatments like clomifene citrate.
Fostimon is a purified human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that falls under the category of gonadotropins. Its primary function is to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles, resulting in the development of multiple eggs in women undergoing fertility treatment.
Uses and Dosage
Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist prior to initiating Fostimon usage and at each prescription refill. Familiarize yourself with the preparation and administration guidelines outlined by your healthcare provider and the product packaging. Should you have any inquiries, seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist.
Fostimon is administered once daily through either subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. Each vial is for single use, and the injection should be administered promptly after preparation.
Initially, this medication will be administered by your healthcare provider. Following appropriate guidance and training, your doctor may authorize self-administration.
Follow your doctor’s precise instructions for Fostimon administration. Remember to rotate the injection site daily to prevent discomfort or skin issues.
The dosage and treatment duration of Fostimon are determined based on individual response through ultrasound measurement of follicle size and monitoring of estrogen secretion.
For optimal outcomes, administer Fostimon consistently on a regular schedule, preferably at the same times daily.
If a dose of Fostimon is missed, administer it at the next scheduled injection time. Do not inject two dose to compensate for a missed one.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Tell your doctor right away should any of them last or worsen.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mild stomach or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Redness or pain at the injection site
- Breast tenderness or pain
Serious Side Effects
- Unusual vaginal/uterine bleeding
- Pain, redness, or swelling in calf muscles
- Cold, numb, or pale skin in arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Swelling in ankles, hands, or feet
Inform your doctor right away if you exhibit any of the serious symptoms listed above.
Severe Side Effects
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Speech impairment
- Visual alterations
- Abrupt and intense headache
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Call your doctor and ask for medical help right away if you have any of the severe side effects above.
Fostimon has the potential to induce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition that can manifest during or after treatment. In rare cases, OHSS can lead to abrupt accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, chest, and heart region, resulting in serious complications. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience:
- Severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal area
- Intense nausea and vomiting
- Sudden and significant weight gain
- Reduced urination
Allergic Reactions
In rare instances, Fostimon may cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any signs of a severe allergic response, such as:
- Hives
- Swelling or itching of the face, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness
This list does not cover all side effects of Fostimon. Report to your doctor if you notice any other effects.
Cautions
Before receiving Fostimon, inform your doctor if you have any known hypersensitivities, particularly to urofollitropin or any of the inactive ingredients of the preparation.
Disclose your medical history with your doctor before receiving Fostimon to assess its appropriateness for your condition, particularly if you have a history of:
- Primary ovarian failure
- Abnormal vaginal/uterine bleeding
- Thyroid issues
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Reproductive organ cancers (e.g., breast, uterus, ovary)
- Brain tumors (e.g., pituitary tumors)
- Ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries (non-PCOS related)
- Ovarian torsion
- Personal or family history of blood clots
- Blood clotting disorders (e.g., thrombophilia)
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Stroke
- Certain heart conditions (angina, heart attack)
- Lung problems (e.g., asthma)
Some products may interact with Fostimon, including clomiphene and gonadorelin. To minimize the risk of such interaction, inform your healthcare providers about all your medications, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Fostimon is contraindicated in cases of early menopause, sexual organ malformations, or specific uterine tumors that would render a typical pregnancy unfeasible.
Women with impaired fallopian tubes using Fostimon may experience a slightly elevated risk of ectopic pregnancy.
While Fostimon can facilitate pregnancy, it carries potential risks of harm to a developing fetus or birth defects. Refrain from using this medication if you are already pregnant, and promptly inform your doctor if you conceive while undergoing treatment.
It is unclear whether urofollitropin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before receiving this medication.