UsesIt is used to stimulate, release of egg from ovary (ovulation) to assist pregnancy in women who cannot ovulate but have functional ovaries In combination with luteinizing hormone to stimulate ovulation in women who have severe deficiency of hormones luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone naturally produced in the body To help development of follicles (fluid filled structures that hold the growing egg in the ovaries and release the mature egg during ovulation) in women trying to become pregnant through assistive procedures such as artificial insemination, IVF etc To stimulate production of sperms (spermatogenesis) in men who are deficient in certain hormones (that stimulate sperm production) but have functional testes
Mechanism of ActionFSH binds to the follicle stimulating hormone receptor which is a G-coupled transmembrane receptor. Binding of the FSH to its receptor seems to induce phosphorylation and activation of the PI3K (Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) and Akt signaling pathway, which is known to regulate many other metabolic and related survival/maturation functions in cells
DosageIM/SC- Female infertility: The recommended dose is 150 IU/day for 5 days, increased up to 450 IU/day for up to 12 days. Follow this treatment with chorionic gonadotropin
Side EffectsRed skin Vomiting Bruising Formations of fluid filled sacs in ovaries Urge to vomit Abdominal cramps and bloating Swelling of blood vessels inside the scrotum Development of breasts in men Acne Weight gain
Warnings/PrecautionsThe patient should undergo a thorough gynecological checkup before treatment You need to work closely with your doctor and follow all instructions carefully for the best chance that this treatment will work It may result in multiple pregnancies, abnormal genital bleeding, hormone sensitive malignancies, ovarian cysts not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome Exclude and treat other causes of infertility e.g. pituitary or hypothalamic lesions, adrenal or thyroid disorders and high levels of prolactin in the blood