Menotropins, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: gonadotropin; ovulation stimulator

Generic and brand names: menotropins, injection; Menopur; Repronex

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat infertility (when a man cannot father a baby or a woman cannot become pregnant).

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• adrenal or pituitary gland problems
• ovarian cysts
• thyroid disorder
• unusual vaginal bleeding

Females of childbearing age: Do not have shots of this medicine if you are already pregnant or breast-feeding because it may seriously harm the baby. Birth defects have occurred in babies born to women who had these shots during pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by injection. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how to give yourself these injections. If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: swelling of the hands or legs, stomach pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, nausea, vomiting.

What should I watch out for?

You may need many tests, including ultrasound exams and blood tests, during treatment with this medicine. You may also receive shots of other medicines. Keep all your appointments for treatment and tests.

Your ovaries may become enlarged, which may cause mild abdominal bloating and pain. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms last more than 2 to 3 weeks or if they become severe.

Rarely, this medicine causes a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The symptoms are severe abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, and reduced urination. If you have these symptoms, or if you have burning when you urinate, contact your healthcare provider right away because you need special treatment.

Multiple births (two or more babies from one pregnancy) may occur as a result of treatment with this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility of multiple births.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away):

• Females: abdominal pain or bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, reduced urination, swelling of hand or legs or any unexplained swelling, pain in calf or groin.
• Males: Dizziness, shortness of breath, nose bleeds.

Other:

• Females: Fever, chills, muscle or joint pain, headache, swelling or irritation at the spot where the shots are given.
• Males: Swelling of breasts, breast pain, nausea.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

The powder may be refrigerated or stored at room temperature. After mixing, inject immediately and dispose of any medicine you have not used.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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