follitropin alfa

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

follitropin alfa is a recombinant form of human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH plays a crucial role in the growth and development of ovarian follicles containing eggs. follitropin alfa stimulates the recruitment and maturation of multiple ovarian follicles. lutropin alfa is a recombinant form of human luteinizing hormone (LH). 

Spectrum: 

follitropin alfa stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, leading to the development of multiple mature eggs. After a period of follicle development, follitropin alfa can trigger the release of a mature egg from the ovary. follitropin alfa is commonly used in assisted reproductive techniques, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), to induce the growth of multiple follicles, increasing the chances of retrieving multiple eggs for fertilization. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Intermenstrual bleeding 

Ovarian hyperstimulation 

Abdominal pain 

Back pain 

Emotional lability Acne 

Flatulence 

Diarrhea 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Ovarian failure 
• Ovarian cysts 
• Pregnancy 

Cautions: 

• PCOS 
• Hormonal disorders 
• Ovarian sensitivity 
• Multiple pregnancies 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the secretion of the drug during pregnancy. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show fetal risks in the first or later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: No data for the drug under this category is available. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

follitropin alfa acts as an agonist, mimicking the action of endogenous FSH. FSH is a gonadotropin hormone that plays an important role in the growth and development of female ovarian follicles and spermatogenesis in males. follitropin alfa binds to FSH receptors on the surface of granulosa cells in the ovaries, stimulating their growth and maturation. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

follitropin alfa is primarily used in assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It is used to stimulate the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries, increasing the chances of obtaining mature eggs for fertilization. follitropin alfa is also used in some instances of ovulation induction and treatment of male infertility.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After subcutaneous injection, follitropin alfa is readily absorbed into the systemic circulation. The absorption rate may vary slightly depending on the injection site, technique, and individual patient factors. Once in the bloodstream, follitropin alfa is available to exert its pharmacological effects. 

Distribution 

follitropin alfa distributes throughout the body, primarily reaching the target tissues, which include the ovaries in females and the testes in males. It binds to specific follicle-stimulating hormone receptors on the surface of granulosa cells in the ovaries or Sertoli cells in the testes, initiating the desired biological effects. 

Metabolism 

follitropin alfa is a protein-based medication, and as such, it is not subject to significant metabolic transformations in the body. It retains its structural integrity and activity until it is eliminated.  

Elimination and Excretion 

follitropin alfa is primarily eliminated from the body through renal clearance. The kidneys filter the medication from the bloodstream, excreted in the urine. The exact elimination half-life of follitropin alfa can vary among individuals, but it is generally relatively short, around a few hours. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

follitropin alfa is administered via subcutaneous injection. It is available as a sterile powder that needs to be reconstituted with a specific diluent before use. The subcutaneous route allows for slow and sustained release of the medication into the bloodstream. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  follitropin alfa 

Why do we use follitropin alfa? 

follitropin alfa is commonly used in assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In some cases of male infertility, follitropin alfa may be used to stimulate the production of sperm. follitropin alfa acts on the testes, promoting spermatogenesis. follitropin alfa may be used as hormone replacement therapy in individuals with deficient FSH levels.