Gonal-f ratings & reviews

Follitropin Alfa
Company: EMD Serono
Brand: Gonal-f
Drug class: Systemic Hormonal Agents (excluding Sex Hormones)
+6 more
Systemic Hormonal Agents (excluding Sex Hormones), Genito-urinary System and Sex Hormones, Pituitary and Hypothalamic Hormones, Sex Hormones and Modulators of the Genital System, Infertility Agents, Pituitary Hormones, Gonadotropins
Overall rating
3.8
full star full star full star half star empty star
Ranked #1
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
4.0/5
Safety
4.0/5
Tolerability
3.8/5
Accessibility
3.4/5
Adherence
3.8/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • Gonal-f is highly regarded for its efficacy in treating infertility and hypogonadism, receiving strong ratings from specialists, particularly in obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics. This drug typically scores between 4 to 5 out of 5 for efficacy and safety.
  • Despite Gonal-f's strong safety profile and efficacy, many patients and physicians express concerns about its affordability and access, indicating that high costs and injection frequency may hinder consistent use and patient experience.
  • Some healthcare professionals note that while Gonal-f is effective for hypogonadism, its success may depend on the specific type of hypogonadism a patient has, leading to variability in patient responses.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Gonal-f contains the active ingredient follitropin alfa, a glycoprotein hormone produced using recombinant DNA technology. It belongs to the gonadotropin class and is used as a sterile, lyophilized powder for subcutaneous injection. Dosage strengths available are 450 International Units (33 mcg) and 1050 International Units (77 mcg). Key inactive ingredients include dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate, and sucrose.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin. It is usually given by a care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss any doses. Talk to your care team about what to do if you miss a dose.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store powder in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. After the powder is dissolved, the multi-dose vial and the pen may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Single use vials should be used immediately after the powder is dissolved. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome—stomach or pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain
  • Trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Acne
  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
  • Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Conditions affecting your adrenal or thyroid gland
  • Enlarged ovaries or ovarian cyst
  • Fallopian tube blockage
  • Hypogonadism
  • Ovarian insufficiency
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to follitropin alpha, other hormones, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Chasteberry

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Black cohosh

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

It is important to keep all records required by your care team on body temperature and intercourse, and to carefully follow any directions for urine or blood testing or ultrasound exams. If you think you have become pregnant, contact your care team at once.

Certain fertility treatments increase your chances of having multiple babies, like twins or triplets.

If abdominal pain occurs while you are using this medication, discontinue treatment and call your care team immediately. Do not use the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and avoid sexual intercourse.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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