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Black Box Warning
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Overview
Follitropin alfa is a {{{drugClass}}} that is FDA approved for the treatment of {{{indication}}}. There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include .
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Indications
Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the oligo-anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® RFF is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
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Dosing Information
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There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Follitropin alfa in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
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Dosage
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There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Follitropin alfa in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
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Dosing Information
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There is limited information regarding FDA-Labeled Use of Follitropin alfa in pediatric patients.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
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Developed by:
Class of Recommendation:
Strength of Evidence:
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There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Follitropin alfa in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
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There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Follitropin alfa in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa for injection) is contraindicated in women who exhibit:
Prior hypersensitivity to recombinant FSH preparations or one of their excipients.
High levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure.
Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction.
Sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs.
An organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor.
Abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin.
Ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin.
Pregnancy.
Warnings
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Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa for injection) should only be used by physicians who are thoroughly familiar with infertility problems and their management. Gonal-f® RFF is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications. Gonadotropin therapy requires a certain time commitment by physicians and supportive health professionals, and requires the availability of appropriate monitoring facilities. Safe and effective use of Gonal-f® RFF in women requires monitoring of ovarian response with serum estradiol and vaginal ultrasound on a regular basis. The lowest effective dose should be used.
Overstimulation of the Ovary During FSH Therapy
Ovarian Enlargement
Mild to moderate uncomplicated ovarian enlargement which may be accompanied by abdominal distention and/ or abdominal pain occurs in approximately 20% of those treated with urofollitropin and hCG, and generally regresses without treatment within two or three weeks. Careful monitoring of ovarian response can further minimize the risk of overstimulation.
If the ovaries are abnormally enlarged on the last day of Gonal-f® RFF therapy, hCG should not be administered in this course of therapy. This will reduce the chances of development of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is a medical event distinct from uncomplicated ovarian enlargement. Severe OHSS may progress rapidly (within 24 hours to several days) to become a serious medical event. It is characterized by an apparent dramatic increase in vascular permeability which can result in a rapid accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, thorax, and potentially, the pericardium. The early warning signs of development of OHSS are severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain. The following symptomatology has been seen with cases of OHSS: abdominal pain, abdominal distension, gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, severe ovarian enlargement, weight gain, dyspnea, and oliguria. Clinical evaluation may reveal hypovolemia, hemoconcentration, electrolyte imbalances, ascites, hemoperitoneum, pleural effusions, hydrothorax, acute pulmonary distress, and thromboembolic events. Transient liver function test abnormalities suggestive of hepatic dysfunction, which may be accompanied by morphologic changes on liver biopsy, have been reported in association with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
OHSS occurred in 6 of 83 (7.2%) Gonal-f® RFF treated women in Study 22240 (ovulation induction); none were classified as severe. In Study 21884 (ART), OHSS occurred in 11 of 237 (4.6%) Gonal-f® RFF treated women and 1 (0.42%) was classified as severe. OHSS may be more severe and more protracted if pregnancy occurs. OHSS develops rapidly; therefore, patients should be followed for at least two weeks after hCG administration. Most often, OHSS occurs after treatment has been discontinued and reaches its maximum at about seven to ten days following treatment. Usually, OHSS resolves spontaneously with the onset of menses. If there is evidence that OHSS may be developing prior to hCG administration (see "PRECAUTIONS / LABORATORY TESTS"), the hCG must be withheld.
If severe OHSS occurs, treatment must be stopped and the patient should be hospitalized. A physician experienced in the management of this syndrome, or who is experienced in the management of fluid and electrolyte imbalances should be consulted.
Pulmonary and Vascular Complications
Serious pulmonary conditions (e.g., atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome and exacerbation of asthma) have been reported. In addition, thromboembolic events both in association with, and separate from Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome have been reported.
Intravascular thrombosis and embolism can result in reduced blood flow to critical organs or the extremities. Sequelae of such events have included venous thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction, cerebral vascular occlusion (stroke), and arterial occlusion resulting in loss of limb. In rare cases, pulmonary complications and/or thromboembolic events have resulted in death.
Multiple Births
Reports of multiple births have been associated with Gonal-f® RFF treatment. In Study 22240 for women receiving Gonal-f® RFF over three treatment cycles, 20% of live births were multiple births. In Study 21884, 35.1% of live births were multiple births in women receiving Gonal-f® RFF. The rate of multiple births is dependent on the number of embryos transferred. The patient should be advised of the potential risk of multiple births before starting treatment.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
The safety of Gonal-f® RFF was examined in two clinical studies [one ovulation induction study (n=83) and one study in ART (n=237)].
Adverse events (without regard to causality assessment) occurring in at least 2.0% of patients in Study 22240 (ovulation induction) are listed in Table 4.
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Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Follitropin alfa in the drug label.
