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Fertility Injections

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Gonal-F, Puregon, Menopur, Rekovelle, Pergoveris, Elonva, Orgalutran, Cetrotide, Decapeptyl, Ovidrelrotide

Fertility Injections - What is it for

Fertility medications remain the primary treatment for women to enhance reproductive fertility. There are oral and injectable fertility drugs. This leaflet will only cover specific fertility injections. 

You will need to take these medications to stimulate your ovaries to develop and release mature eggs ready for fertilization. These will help increase your chances of getting pregnant. Your doctor will decide on the best medication for you.

Some of the common fertility injections include:

  • Gonal-F®, Puregon®, Menopur®, Rekovelle®, Pergoveris®, Elonva®
    • This injection works in the development and maturation of the follicles (which contain eggs)
  • Orgalutran®, Cetrotide®, Decapeptyl®
    • This injection works by preventing early release of the egg
  • Ovidrel®
    • This injection works by stimulating the release of mature eggs.

Fertility Injections - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Fertility Injections cause?

Common side effects include:
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Stomach pain or swelling, bloating
  • Pelvic pain and discomfort
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headache
    • You may take Paracetamol to manage headaches.
  • Injection site reactions (such as bruising, pain, redness, swelling and itching)
    • You should change injection sites daily to reduce possible injection site reactions.

Inform your doctor if these side effects become severe and bothersome.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) happens when too many ovarian follicles have developed in response to the usual dosage of medication. OHSS is usually mild and only causes a slight lower abdominal discomfort in most cases. Although it is not common, it may still need medical attention as it can be potentially life threatening, if left untreated in severe cases. 

You may be developing OHSS if you experience some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Pain and lower abdominal discomfort that do not go away
  • Feeling sick and vomiting
  • Bloatedness and pain in the stomach area
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dehydration
  • Reduction of urine volume
  • Abdominal pain

If any of the symptoms above worsen of do not go away, you should see your healthcare professional immediately.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Fertility Injections , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
  • You have a known or suspected cancer or tumour of the ovary, breast, uterus.
  • You have ever had twisting of an ovary (ovarian torsion).

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Fertility Injections ?

Fertility Injections - Dosage and How to Use

How should Fertility Injections be used?

  • Do not stop using your medications without checking with your healthcare professional.
  • You are advised to inject the medication according to your treatment schedule and doctor's instructions. Do not change the doses of your injection by yourself.
  • Fertility injections are usually given just under the skin (subcutaneously). You will be taught how to inject the medication by your doctor or nurse.
  • It is advisable to rotate the injection sites to reduce skin irritation. Do not inject into any areas in which you feel lumps, firm knots, depressions (where a portion of the skin seems to sink in), pain, or see any discolourations.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to inject a dose, contact your nurse or doctor immediately for advice. Do not inject two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Fertility Injections - Handling

How should I handle Fertility Injections safely?

Fertility Injections - Storage

How should I store Fertility Injections ?

;#Keep away from children;#

​Refer to the individual package inserts or medication labels for the storage conditions.

How should I dispose of Fertility Injections safely?

​If used at home, you may throw this injection away along with the used needles, into a metal tin, or glass jar or thick plastic container (e.g. detergent bottles) to prevent any needle stick injury.

Fertility Injections - Additional Information

  • Updated on 10/31/2022 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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