Gonal-F

Description

Each ampule or vial contains 75IU of human FSH (follicle stimulating hormone of recombinant DNA origin).

Purpose

Promotes the growth and development of follicles on the surface of the ovaries, which usually contain an egg. It is used in IVF to develop multiple eggs to be available for fertilization in the lab.

Side Effects

With careful monitoring of blood hormone levels and follicle growth by ultrasound, side effects are minimal but can include the following:

  • Headache
  • Mild to moderate ovarian enlargement
  • Abdominal bloating or discomfort
  • Temporary weight gain
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Changes in mood

A rare but potential side effect is known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). It is characterized by sudden ovarian enlargement, with accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Patients may experience abdominal enlargement, pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and decreased urine output. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Careful monitoring of the response to the medications generally prevents OHSS.

Injection Instructions

  1. Wash and dry hands.
  2. Get out all supplies needed:
    • 3cc syringe with 22g 1 1/2″ needle
    • Alcohol swipe
    • 27g 1/2″ needle
    • Band-aid
    • Medication
    • Gauze

Preparation of Medication

  1. Open syringe and needle.
  2. Click top of ampule with finger tips to remove all the liquid to bottom. Using a paper towel to protect from cuts, snap top of liquid and powder ampule(s) off. Have blue dot facing away from you and snap towards you.
  3. Insert needle into liquid vial and withdraw 1/2cc or 1cc — depending on dose — into the syringe.
  4. Inject the liquid into the ampule of Gonal-F powder to dilute it and then draw that mixture back into the syringe. If your dose is greater than 75 IU you will have to repeat this step until you have mixed enough powder to equal your prescribed dose.
  5. Remove the 22G needle and put on the 27G 1/2 inch needle for injection.
  6. Now that you have the medication in the syringe, tap at syringe to remove air bubbles and push on plunger to remove all excess air until all air is gone from the barrel of the syringe.

Administration of Medication

  1. Expose thigh area or abdomen. Wipe area for injection with alcohol.
  2. Grasp or spread area for injection with thumb and first finger.
  3. Dart needle between the spread fingers at a 45 degree angle and inject the medication.
  4. Pull the needle out and rub area gently with gauze.
  5. Alternate sites daily.

Also see: Gonal-F Dilution

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