What is this medication for?
Menotropins are used for the treatment of certain types of infertility in females. Menotropins are a mixture of naturally occurring hormones that include follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
In females, FSH is largely responsible for stimulating the growth of the ovarian follicle. This includes the developing egg and the cells surrounding the egg that produce hormones (such as estrogen) needed to sustain pregnancy. The most important role of LH is to cause ovulation. After ovulation, a group of follicle cells form to make the corpus luteum and produce the hormone progesterone, which causes the endometrium to thicken so that it can support implantation of the fertilized egg. Menotropins are usually given with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone works similarly to LH and helps to ensure that ovulation occurs at the expected time.
Menotropins are also used to stimulate the ovary to produce several follicles and pregnancy in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology program.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Menopur® is available as:
- injectable (subcutaneous)
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Menotropins will be given under the supervision of your doctor. The dose of menotropins will depend on your circumstances and will be decided by the doctor. The average dose for causing ovulation is 225 IU of menotropins injected under the skin on either side of the lower abdomen once a day for 7 or more days. The maximum daily dose of Menopur® given should not exceed 450 IU and dosing beyond 20 days is not recommended. Once adequate follicular development is seen, hCG should be administered.
It is very important that the dosing schedule is followed closely and that all doctor's appointments are kept so that progress can be monitored. If you miss a dose, your doctor will help to establish a new dosing schedule.
Store this medication at room temperature or in the refrigerator, protect from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Menotropins for injection should not be used by anyone who:
- has allergies to any ingredients in this medication (e.g., lactose)
- is sensitive to menotropins or any component of this drug
- already has high levels of FSH (indicating another reason for infertility)
- has any lesion inside the head such as a pituitary tumor
- has a tumor a reproductive organ that is dependent on sex hormones to grow
- has ovarian cysts or enlargement (except polycystic ovary syndrome)
- has primary ovarian failure
- has uncontrolled thyroid and adrenal gland dysfunction
- has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
- is pregnant