Products
Follitropin beta is commercially available as a solution for injection (Puregon). It has been approved in many countries since 2001.
Structure and properties
Follitropin beta is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by biotechnological methods. The amino acid sequence corresponds to human FSH. It differs from follitropin alfa in glycosylation. FSH is a heterodimer and consists of two distinct glycoproteins, the α-subunit (92 amino acids) and the β-subunit (111 amino acids), which are non-covalently bound to each other. It is a hormone of the anterior pituitary.
Effects
Follitropin beta (ATC G03GA06) stimulates the development of mature Graafian follicles in women, which is a prerequisite for implantation (ovulation). In men, it is important for spermatogenesis.
Indications
- Sterility due to female anovulation (including polycystic ovary syndrome).
- Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation to induce the development of multiple follicles in physician-assisted reproductive programs.
- Insufficient spermatogenesis due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is administered subcutaneously.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Drug interactions are possible with agents that stimulate the ovaries and with GnRH analogs.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects in women include headache, injection site reactions (such as redness, swelling, itching, pain, bruising), bloating, abdominal pain, abdominal pain, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
