Menotropins, Injection

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• This medicine is given by injection to help a woman become pregnant. Use it exactly as directed.
• Keep all appointments for tests to see how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or other unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

________________________________________________________________________

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: gonadotropin; ovulation stimulator

Generic and brand names: menotropins, injection; Menopur

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection to help you become pregnant. It stimulates ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary). You may also have shots of another hormone. Your healthcare provider will explain.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

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
• A stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Adrenal or pituitary gland problems
• Blood clots or a bleeding disorder
• Brain tumor
• Cancer or tumors of the ovaries, uterus, or breast
• Liver or kidney disease
• Lung or breathing problems
• Ovarian cysts, enlarged ovaries, ovarian torsion, or primary ovarian failure
• Thyroid disorder
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had surgery on your abdomen.

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 been reported 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 may give you these injections. Sometimes you or someone at home can give the shots to you. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to use this medicine at home and give you detailed instructions on how to give yourself these injections. Be sure you know how and when to have shots and how much medicine to use. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider to find out what to do. Do not use double doses.

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?

Treatment with this medicine may increase your chance of serious side effects, such as ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), birth defects, miscarriage, ovarian torsion, lung problems, ovarian cancer, and blood clots. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

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 serious condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The symptoms are severe abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, 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.

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

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

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); sudden weakness, numbness, or tingling, especially on one side of your body; sudden or severe headache; sudden trouble with vision, speech, balance, or walking.

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe abdominal pain or bloating; severe nausea or vomiting; diarrhea; trouble breathing or fast breathing; chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; sudden weight gain; reduced urination or trouble urinating; swelling of hand or legs or any unexplained swelling; pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in lower leg; breast pain or swelling.

Other: Fever, chills, muscle or joint pain, headache, mild nausea, stomach cramps, mild dizziness, swelling or irritation at the spot where the shots are given.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. Natural remedies such as chasteberry and black cohosh are not advised while you are being treated with this medicine. Talk with your provider about this.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. 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.

---

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.