Gonal F

Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa) is used to treat fertility problems and is commonly prescribed in conjunction with another hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin).
 
Gonal F stimulates ovarian follicular growth in women who do not have primary ovarian failure. FSH is the primary hormone responsible for follicular recruitment and development. To complete follicular maturation and effect ovulation in the absence of an endogenous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is given when monitoring of the patient indicates that sufficient follicular development has occurred. There may be a degree of inter patient variability in response to FSH administration, with lack of response to FSH in some patients.

Gonal F Pens come in 3 sizes: 900iu / 450iu / 300iu. The pen (delivery mechanism) contains ready-to-use Gonal F, all the user needs to do is dial the required dose and inject.
Before shipping the pen is marked for use within 90 days (in line with the manaufacturer’s guidance) since the medication is removed from refrigeration for international shipping.

If you think your cycle might be delayed, or prefer Gonal F which does not need to be stored in refrigeration, you may wish to order the Gonal F Multidose vials (see below) 

Gonal F Multi-dose vials come in 2 sizes: 1050iu / 450iu. Each box contains a vial of Gonal F, a prefilled syringe of bacteriostatic water and 6 / 10 administration syringes. Unlike the pens, the vials require preparation, but multi-dose vials do not require refrigeration and so do not need to be used within 90 days. Click here to order Gonal F multidose vials

Gonal F on IVFPharmacy is made by Serono Pharmaceuticals. It is a brand medication, not generic. The drug composition is exactly the same as Gonal F in the US but the packaging may vary slightly.

 

Gonal F is used in women who are suffering from ovulation related infertility. Gonal F is an FSH hormone that encourages the ovaries to produce eggs. While Gonal F can be used by itself, it is is normally prescribed alongside an HCG drug. HCG drugs help to ensure that the eggs grow properly and mature before being released. A combination of FSH and HCG hormones drastically increases chances of conceiving.

Common Gonal F side effects include: Headache, nausea, vomiting, mild stomach/abdominal pain, bloating, redness/pain at the injection site, or breast tenderness/pain.

Serious GonalF side effects that require medical attention include: Unusual bleeding from the vagina/uterus, pain/redness/swelling of the calf muscles, cold/numb/pale skin of the arms/legs/hands/feet, swelling of ankles/hands/feet. If you experience  weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision changes, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath or symptoms of OHSS then get urgent medical attention. Symptoms of OHSS include severe pain/swelling in the pelvic region, severe nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or change in the amount of urine.

If you develop a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness or have trouble breathing it might be caused by a severe allergic reaction, seek urgent medical attention.

Disclaimer: information taken from webMD.com