Pergoveris solution for injection (Follitropin Alfa And Lutropin Alfa)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa
Drug Class
gonadotrophins (fertility hormones)
Used For
stimulation of follicular development in women with severe LH and FSH deficiency
How Taken
subcutaneous injection once daily

What Is Pergoveris solution for injection Used For?

Pergoveris is a fertility medication that contains two important reproductive hormones made through biotechnology.

Primary Uses

Pergoveris is used to stimulate follicular development in women who have severe deficiency of both luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).

How It Works

Pergoveris contains follitropin alfa (recombinant FSH) and lutropin alfa (recombinant LH). These hormones are essentially similar to the hormones found naturally in humans and belong to the family of gonadotrophins, which are involved in the normal control of reproduction.

How to Take Pergoveris solution for injection

Pergoveris is given as daily injections under the skin, and your treatment should be tailored according to your individual response.

Dosage Instructions

Treatment usually starts with 150 IU of follitropin alfa/75 IU of lutropin alfa once daily as a subcutaneous injection in your lower abdominal area or thigh (except around the navel and waistline). Your doctor will determine the exact dose and timing. Inject at the same time each day and change injection sites daily to reduce possible reactions. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the proper injection technique.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose at the usual time, contact your doctor or nurse immediately for advice. Pergoveris should be used regularly at the same time each day.

Important: Do not self-inject until you are sure of how to do it properly. Read the Instructions for Use provided in the pack carefully before starting injections.

Available Tablet Strengths

300 IU follitropin alfa/150 IU lutropin alfa
300 IU follitropin alfa/150 IU lutropin alfa Tablet Clear to slightly yellow, Solution in disposable pen • 0.48 mL
450 IU follitropin alfa/225 IU lutropin alfa
450 IU follitropin alfa/225 IU lutropin alfa Tablet Clear to slightly yellow, Solution in disposable pen • 0.72 mL
900 IU follitropin alfa/450 IU lutropin alfa
900 IU follitropin alfa/450 IU lutropin alfa Tablet Clear to slightly yellow, Solution in disposable pen • 1.44 mL

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

  • Injection site reactions (bruising, pain, redness, itching, swelling)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Ovarian enlargement or cysts
  • Breast pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal discomfort, distension or pain
  • Ectopic pregnancy (embryo implanted outside the womb)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Allergic reactions (severe skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath, wheezing)
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (lower abdominal pain/swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pelvic pain, rapid weight gain, low urine output, shortness of breath)
  • Blood clots (thromboembolism) – pain, warmth, redness, numbness or tingling in arms or legs, warning signs of stroke or heart attack

Important Warnings

There are several important conditions and situations where Pergoveris should not be used or requires special caution.

Who Should Not Take Pergoveris solution for injection

Do not use if you are allergic to gonadotrophins or any ingredients, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have unexplained ovarian enlargement or cysts, have unexplained vaginal or uterine bleeding, have cancer of the ovaries, uterus or breasts, or have tumours of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have premature menopause, thyroid or adrenal gland disorders, high prolactin levels, fibroid tumours in your uterus, kidney or liver disease, increased risk factors for blood clots (stroke, heart attacks), or porphyria or family history of porphyria.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not use Pergoveris if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medication. Multiple pregnancies and births occur more frequently compared to natural conception. There may be a slightly increased risk of birth defects and pregnancy loss in women using assisted reproductive technologies.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Treatment may increase your risk of developing OHSS, where ovaries overreact and become larger. Your doctor will monitor you closely with ultrasound and blood tests.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Pergoveris and affect how it works.

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful with activities requiring alertness until you know how Pergoveris affects you.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Pergoveris affects you.

Storage

Store Pergoveris in the original package at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerate, do not freeze) and protect from light. After the first injection, the pen may be stored below 25°C for a maximum of 28 days with the cap on to protect from light. Keep where children cannot reach it and do not use after the expiry date.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much Pergoveris, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pergoveris is given as a course of daily injections, and your doctor will monitor your ovarian response closely throughout treatment using ultrasound and blood tests to determine effectiveness.

If you miss your dose at the usual time, contact your doctor or nurse immediately for advice. Pergoveris should be used regularly at the same time each day.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without telling your doctor. Your treatment should be managed by your healthcare provider.

Store in the original package at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerate, do not freeze) and protect from light. After first use, the pen can be stored below 25°C for up to 28 days with the cap on.

Signs include lower abdominal pain, discomfort or swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pelvic pain. Severe OHSS may cause rapid weight gain, low urine output and shortness of breath. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Yes, injection site reactions such as bruising, pain, redness, itching or swelling are common side effects. Change injection sites daily to reduce these reactions and speak to your doctor if they worry you.

Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Pergoveris. Do not use this medication if you are already pregnant.

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.