Luveris (Lutropin Alfa (Rch))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Luveris Used For?
Luveris contains lutropin alfa (rch), a recombinant luteinising hormone (LH) that is essentially similar to the hormone found naturally in humans but made through biotechnology.
Primary Uses
Luveris is used for the stimulation of follicular development in women with severe LH and FSH deficiency.
How It Works
Luveris belongs to the family of hormones called gonadotrophins, which are involved in the normal control of reproduction. It works by stimulating the ovaries to develop follicles.
How to Take Luveris
Luveris is given as a course of daily subcutaneous (under the skin) injections at the same time as another medicine, follitropin alfa. Each injection should be given at the same time each day.
Dosage Instructions
Treatment typically starts with 75 IU daily, together with 75 IU to 150 IU of follitropin alfa. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your individual response to treatment. Inject under the skin in the lower abdominal area or thigh, changing the injection site daily to reduce possible reactions.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, contact your doctor or nurse immediately for advice. Luveris should be used regularly at the same time each day.
Important: Each vial is for single use only. Once the powder is dissolved with the solvent, it should be injected immediately and any leftover solution must be discarded.
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 (bruising, pain, redness, itching, swelling)
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain or discomfort
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (severe skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath)
- ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (lower abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, pelvic pain)
- blood clots (pain, warmth, redness, numbness or tingling in arms or legs, signs of stroke or heart attack)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Luveris should not be used or requires special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Luveris
Do not use if you are allergic to lutropin alfa or any ingredients, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have unexplained ovarian cyst or enlargement, unexplained vaginal or uterine bleeding, cancer of the ovaries/uterus/breast, or tumours of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or if you or your family have increased risk factors for blood clots (stroke, heart attacks), porphyria or family history of porphyria.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you become pregnant while using Luveris. The frequency of multiple pregnancies and births is increased with this treatment. There may be a slightly increased risk of birth defects in women using assisted reproductive technologies.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Treatment may increase your risk of developing OHSS, where ovaries overreact to hormonal treatment. Watch for lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or pelvic pain.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Luveris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Luveris affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Luveris affects you.
Storage
Before mixing, keep the vials in the original package in a dry cool place where the temperature is below 25°C. Store in the original package to protect from light. Once the powder is dissolved with the solvent, it should be injected immediately as the solvent contains no preservative. Any leftover solution must be discarded. Do not use if the dissolved solution contains particles or is not clear.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Luveris, 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
Luveris is used as part of a course of daily injections to stimulate follicular development. Your doctor will monitor your response using ultrasound and blood tests to determine how you are responding to treatment.
Yes, your doctor or nurse can teach you the injection technique. Detailed instructions for use are provided in the package, including how to prepare and inject the solution under the skin.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, contact your doctor or nurse immediately for advice. Luveris should be used regularly at the same time each day.
No, each vial is for single use only. Once the powder is dissolved with the solvent, it should be injected immediately and any leftover solution must be discarded.
Watch for lower abdominal pain, discomfort or swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pelvic pain. Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout treatment to help determine if you are likely to develop this condition.
Keep the vials in the original package in a dry cool place below 25°C, protected from light. Once mixed with the solvent, inject immediately as it contains no preservative.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Luveris. There is an increased frequency of multiple pregnancies with this treatment, and your doctor will monitor your ovarian response to minimize this chance.
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.