Generic Name: Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Indications: Follistim is a synthetic follicle stimulating hormone prescribed to promote ovulation.
FDA Drug Category: X
Summary Recommendations: When using Follistim it is important to test for pregnancy prior to starting the medication. Follistim may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications, such as human chorionic gonadotropin to optimize the chance of pregnancy. Always take Follistim as prescribed by your doctor.
General Precautions: Patients who do not ovulate and thus suffer infertility. The medication is not indicated for women with primary ovarian failure. Doctors may prescribe Follistim to men or women. The medication is prescribed to stimulate maturation of one or more eggs and promote ovulation to increase the likelihood of pregnancy in women.
Common side effects reported by patients taking Follistim include headache, nausea, pelvic pain, sore throat, tenderness of the breasts, rash and acne. More serious side effects may include severe lower stomach pain, weight gain, swelling of extremities and reduced urination. If you feel severe pain on one side of the pelvis or sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), history of blood clots or asthma tell your doctor before taking Follistim.
Effects While Trying to Conceive: Follistim is prescribed to patients having difficulty conceiving. Your chances of pregnancy may increase while taking the drug. There is a higher chance of multiples when using drugs like Follistim. There is no clinical evidence that Follistim decreases fertility. In women, Follistim is prescribed to promote ovulation and in men, it is prescribed to promote sperm production.
Effects on Pregnancy: Follistim is contraindicated in pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration has placed the drug in category X, the most dangerous drug category for pregnant women. Your doctor may require a pregnancy test before starting you on Follistim and between each course of treatment. No specific pregnancy or fetal complications are available. No animal or human studies have been completed on the drug.
Safe During Breastfeeding: Follistim should not be used by women who are breastfeeding or women who plan to breastfeed. This does not apply to women using Follistim to increase the likelihood of pregnancy as the drug is not prescribed after pregnancy is achieved. No animal or human studies have been completed. If you are currently breastfeeding and Follistim is suggested to increase fertility you may need to stop breastfeeding before starting you’re the fertility medication.
