Gonal-f (Follitropin Alfa)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Gonal-f Used For?
Gonal-f contains follitropin alfa, a hormone similar to the natural follicle stimulating hormone found in humans. This medication helps with fertility by supporting the growth and development of egg cells in women and sperm production in men.
Primary Uses
In women: Used to help develop follicles in women who are not ovulating and haven’t responded to clomiphene citrate treatment. Also used to stimulate multiple follicles in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization. In men: Used with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to stimulate sperm production.
How It Works
Gonal-f is made using biotechnology and belongs to a family of hormones called gonadotrophins. It works by mimicking your body’s natural follicle stimulating hormone, which is essential for reproductive function in both men and women.
How to Take Gonal-f
Gonal-f is given as an injection under the skin in your lower abdomen or thigh. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you and may adjust it based on how you respond to treatment.
Dosage Instructions
For women not ovulating: Usually starts at 75 IU daily, may be adjusted up to a maximum of 225 IU daily. For women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies: Usually starts at 150 IU daily, may be adjusted up to a maximum of 450 IU daily. For men: Usually starts at 150 IU three times a week. 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 forget an injection or are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or nurse immediately for advice. Do not inject a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Do not self-inject until you are sure of how to do it properly. Follow the Instructions for Use provided in the pack.
Available Tablet Strengths
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 (pain, numbness, redness, swelling)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Vaginal bleeding
- Ovarian cyst
- Ovarian enlargement
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- In men: acne, weight gain, breast development
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, hives)
- Signs of asthma aggravation (coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath)
- Blood clot symptoms (pain, warmth, redness, numbness, tingling in arm or leg)
- Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (severe abdominal/pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight gain, reduced urine, shortness of breath)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Gonal-f should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Gonal-f
Do not use if you are allergic to follitropin alfa or any ingredients, have tumors of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Women should not use if pregnant, breastfeeding, have enlarged ovaries, unexplained ovarian cysts, unexplained vaginal or uterine bleeding, cancer of ovaries/uterus/breast, ovarian failure, or uterine fibroids making pregnancy impossible. Men should not use if they have increased gonadotrophin levels indicating testicular failure or infertility due to disorders other than hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have thyroid problems, adrenal problems, high prolactin levels, porphyria or family history of porphyria. Also inform your doctor if you or family members have had blood clots, as treatment may increase this risk.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Gonal-f. Multiple pregnancies are more common with fertility treatments and carry risks for mothers and babies. There may be a slightly increased risk of birth defects with assisted reproductive technologies, which may be due to maternal age, genetics, multiple pregnancies, or the procedure itself.
Blood Clot Risk: Treatment with Gonal-f and hCG may increase the risk of blood clots forming in your blood vessels.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Gonal-f and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you take
- Some medicines may interfere with Gonal-f effectiveness
- Check with your doctor if unsure about medication interactions
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Gonal-f affects you, as it may cause dizziness in some people.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Gonal-f may cause dizziness in some people. Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how this medication affects you.
Storage
Before first use, store Gonal-f in the original package in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. If refrigeration is not available, it can be stored below 25°C for up to 3 months. After first use, Gonal-f may be stored below 25°C for up to 21 days with the cap on to protect from light. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms or cars. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Gonal-f, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of treatment is determined by your doctor depending on your specific condition and response to the medication.
Yes, but only after your doctor or nurse has taught you the proper injection technique. Your partner may also be trained to give the injection. Do not self-inject until you are sure of how to do it correctly.
Severe lower abdominal pain could be a sign of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a serious side effect. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Injection site reactions like pain, redness, and swelling are common. You can help reduce these by changing injection sites daily. Speak to your doctor if these reactions worry you.
Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout treatment using ultrasound and/or blood tests to check your response and watch for potential complications like OHSS.
Your doctor may advise you to refrain from sexual intercourse until the end of the cycle if you are at risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Gonal-f can be stored below 25°C for up to 3 months if refrigeration is unavailable, making travel possible. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor for specific guidance.
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.