follitropin alfa and lutropin 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). LH works with FSH to regulate the menstrual cycle and support the final stages of follicular maturation, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. 

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. 

lutropin alfa is used to trigger the final maturation of eggs within the ovarian follicles. This is typically administered when the follicles are adequately developed in controlled ovarian stimulation protocols. 

After ovulation, lutropin alfa helps support the corpus luteum, a structure formed from the ruptured follicle. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, that prepares the uterine lining for embryo implantation and supports early pregnancy. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Constipation 

Abdominal pain 

Dysmenorrhea 

Mastalgia 

Flatulence 

Nausea 

Ovarian cyst 

Fatigue 

Headache 

Pelvic pain 

Injection-site reaction 

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:  

The drug is contraindicated during lactation. 

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 and lutropin alfa are essential in stimulating ovulation and supporting fertility treatments. They are commonly used together in ART protocols to mimic the natural hormonal environment required for successful ovulation and conception. However, it’s important to note that the specific dosing, administration, and treatment regimens may vary depending on individual patient factors and the guidance of a healthcare professional.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

lutropin alfa is a recombinant form of human luteinizing hormone (LH). LH acts on the ovaries by binding to LH receptors on the theca cells within the ovarian follicles. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After subcutaneous injection, follitropin alfa is absorbed into the bloodstream. The absorption rate may vary depending on the injection site and individual factors. 

lutropin alfa is absorbed into the bloodstream. The rate and extent of absorption may vary depending on injection site and individual factors. 

Distribution 

follitropin alfa is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It specifically acts on the ovaries, binding to FSH receptors on granulosa cells within ovarian follicles. 

lutropin alfa is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It specifically acts on the ovaries, binding to LH receptors on granulosa and theca cells within ovarian follicles. 

Metabolism 

follitropin alfa is a protein-based medication. Like other proteins, it is subject to degradation and metabolism in the body, primarily through proteolytic enzymes. 

lutropin alfa is a protein-based medication subject to body degradation and metabolism, primarily through proteolytic enzymes. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The elimination of follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa primarily occurs through renal clearance. They are filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

The combination drug is available as a subcutaneous solution for injection. It is administered subcutaneously. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa 

Why do we use follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa? 

Together, follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa help regulate the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and facilitate ovulation in fertility treatment protocols. These medications are typically administered under the guidance of a reproductive specialist to optimize the chances of achieving pregnancy in individuals or couples struggling with infertility.