Urofollitropin

What it is and how it works

Urofollitropin is follicle-stimulating hormone extracted and highly purified from the urine of postmenopausal women. It stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and oestrogen production; final oocyte maturation and ovulation are then triggered with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or an equivalent.

Indications

Ovulation induction in anovulatory women (including polycystic ovary syndrome) who have not responded to clomifene; controlled ovarian stimulation for multiple follicular development in assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection; the dose is individualised by the fertility specialist, starting typically at 75–150 IU daily and adjusted according to ultrasound and oestradiol monitoring.

Contraindications

Pregnancy; ovarian enlargement or cysts not due to polycystic ovary syndrome; tumours of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, uterus or breast; gynaecological bleeding of unknown cause; primary ovarian failure; malformations of the reproductive organs or fibroids incompatible with pregnancy.

Warnings and precautions

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancy are the main risks; treatment requires close ultrasound and hormonal monitoring, and hCG should be withheld if the response is excessive. Thromboembolic events, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage rates may be increased. Exclude untreated thyroid, adrenal or pituitary disorders before treatment.

Pregnancy

Contraindicated in pregnancy.

Storage and supply

Store as specified by the manufacturer (typically below 25 °C or 2–8 °C), protected from light; do not freeze.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.