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Follistim AQ Coupon - Follistim AQ 300iu cartridge

Follistim AQ

follitropin beta
Used for Fertility
Used for Fertility

Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) is a fertility treatment for both men and women that you can give to yourself at home. It can be expensive and has some serious risks.

Last reviewed on August 5, 2021
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What is Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)?

What is Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) used for?

  • Female infertility not caused by ovarian failure

  • Male infertility not caused by testicular failure

How Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) works

Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) is a gonadotropin medication. It contains a hormone found naturally in the body called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). In women, FSH helps the ovaries get eggs ready for ovulation. In men, FSH causes sperm to grow and mature.

Are you looking for information on Gonal-f (follitropin alfa) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsFollistim AQ
Drug ClassGonadotropin
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Pelvic pain or discomfort (5-8%)
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (5-8%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Pain or redness where Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) was injected (7%)
  • Acne (7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Breast growth in men
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Rash
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: Severe pelvic or stomach pain and swelling along with nausea, vomiting, sudden weight gain, diarrhea, trouble breathing, trouble urinating
  • Lung problems: Trouble breathing, fluid in the lungs, worsening of any current lung problems
  • Heart attack: Chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
  • Stroke: Sudden trouble talking, trouble walking, numbness on one side of your body or face
  • Ectopic pregnancy: Severe, unexplainable pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain that is severe

bloating

diarrhea

severe nausea or vomiting

stomach or pelvic discomfort, aching, or heaviness

weight gain that is rapid

Less common

Heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding

redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Difficulty with breathing

pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves

severe, sudden headache

slurred speech

sudden loss of coordination

sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg

sudden, unexplained shortness of breath

vision changes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Blemishes on the skin

headache

pimples

Less common

Body aches or pain

chills

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

dizziness

dry skin

fast or racing heart

fever

hair loss

hives

quick or shallow breathing

rash

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

Incidence not known

Breast tenderness

normal menstrual bleeding occurring earlier, possibly lasting longer than expected

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)

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Pros

Can be given at home

Well-tolerated with mild side effects

Comes as an easy-to-use pen injector

Can treat infertility in both men and women

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Cons

Only available as an injection

For men, takes several months to work

For women, requires blood tests and multiple office visits for ultrasounds

Brand name only, so can be very expensive

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)

pharmacist
  • Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) can be given at home. You don't need to go to your provider's office to receive your doses. But, you will need to be taught how to correctly give yourself the injection.

    • For women, the dose of Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) and the number of days you will use it for will be unique. Follow your provider's directions very carefully to give the medication the best chance to work.

      • Use a new pen needle each time you give yourself Follistim AQ (follitropin beta). Throw away the used pen needles in a protective (sharps) container. These containers might be given to you by your provider, but if not, they can be purchased at most pharmacies. Don't throw pen needles away in the regular trash.

        • Always wash your hands with soap and water before injecting Follistim AQ (follitropin beta), and make sure to wipe the area of skin you are going to inject the medication into with an alcohol swab before injecting. Use a different area of the body for every dose. This will help prevent discomfort and pain during injections.

          • Always check the liquid inside the pen cartridge before every injection. The liquid inside should be clear. If Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) is colored or if you see anything floating in the liquid, don't use it. Call your provider or the pharmacy who filled your prescription if this happens.

            • After Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) has been injected, place a cotton ball over the area, and apply some pressure for several seconds. To prevent tenderness, gently massage the area while applying pressure.

              • Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) cartridges will stay stable longer if you store them in the refrigerator. They can only be stored at room temperature for 3 months before you start using it. Once you start using a cartridge, it must be stored at room temperature and is only good for 28 days.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)

                Is Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) the same as Gonal-f?
                Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) is very similar to Gonal-f (follitropin alfa). Both of these medications are injections that contain FSH and are used to treat male and female infertility. Speak with your provider to determine which one would be the best option for you.
                How effective is Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) for women?
                Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) is very effective at making you ovulate and becomes more effective if you use it for a few cycles in a row. In studies, 72% of all women ovulated during their first cycle while using this medication. After three cycles of using Follistim AQ (follitropin beta), 85% of women ovulated.
                Does Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) cause weight gain?
                Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) doesn't usually cause weight gain. Side effects are generally very mild for most people who use this medication.
                Does Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) cause twins?
                When women use Follistim AQ (follitropin beta), it can lead to twins, triplets, or more. This medication can get more than one egg ready to ovulate. Please be aware there is a higher risk of becoming pregnant with more than one baby with Follistim AQ (follitropin beta).
                Where should you inject Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)?
                You should inject Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) in the outside of your upper legs or in your stomach just under your belly button.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)?

                Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Swollen ovaries

                • Risk factors: High doses of Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) | Using Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) too long

                  Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) can cause women's ovaries to grow or swell. This is more likely to happen if you are using high doses of this medication or have used it for too long. Your ovaries will be watched closely by your provider with ultrasounds to make sure they are not growing too much. If your ovaries are ever too swollen on an ultrasound, your provider will tell you to stop injecting Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) and avoid having sex. Tell your provider right away if you feel any cramps or pain in the pelvic or lower belly area while using this medication.

                  risk-warning

                  Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

                  • Risk factors: Pregnancy

                    In women, Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) can cause OHSS, a condition that occurs when the ovaries grow too large after you have finished your injections. It is very painful and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can also cause more serious conditions, including touble breathing and bursting ovaries. It usually goes away on its own once your menstrual period starts. People who develop OHSS and also successfully become pregnant tend to have more severe OHSS symptoms. If you feel extreme belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea within 7 to 10 days after finishing Follistim AQ (follitropin beta), tell your provider right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Lung problems and blood clots

                    • Risk factors: Personal or family history of blood clots | Smoking | Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) | People who are overweight

                      In women, Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) can raise your risk of life-threatening lung problems and blood clots. Smoking, a history of blood clots, and OHSS raise this risk even more. Blood clots can lead to a heart attack, a stroke, or a pulmonary embolism (life-threatening blood clot in the lungs). Be sure to discuss all your past and present medical conditions with your provider before starting Follistim AQ (follitropin beta). Call 911 or get medical help right away if you have pain in your legs or arms, chest pain, sudden severe headaches, trouble breathing, or sudden changes in your speech or vision.

                      risk-warning

                      Ovarian twisting

                      • Risk factors: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) | Pregnancy | Previous stomach surgery | History of ovarian twisting | History of or current ovarian cysts | Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

                        Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) raises your risk of ovarian twisting in the future. This can cause bloodflow to the ovary to be cut off. It is more likely to happen if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), had stomach surgery in the past, or have OHSS. Tell your provider before you start Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) if you have a history of cysts on your ovaries and/or any surgeries you have had in the past.

                        risk-warning

                        Getting pregnant with more than one baby

                        All gonadotropin fertility treatments, including Follistim AQ (follitropin beta), make women much more likely to conceive and deliver more than one baby (e.g., twins, triplets). This is due to how the medication works to prepare the body to ovulate. Please discuss this possibility with your partner before starting Follistim AQ (follitropin beta).

                        risk-warning

                        Problems during pregnancy

                        All gonadotropin fertility treatments, including Follistim AQ (follitropin beta), make it more likely for women to experience problems during pregnancy than conception without medication. These include birth defects, miscarriages, and pregnancies outside the uterus. It is not clear why this happens. Your provider might want to follow up with you more often to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

                        dosage

                        Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) dosage forms

                        Typical dosing for Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)

                        • Female infertility: The dose of this medication is unique for every person, so follow your provider's instructions very carefully and double check with them if you are unsure of your dose. Doses can range from 50 to 500 units injected beneath the skin (subcutaneously) once a day.

                        • Male infertility: The typical dose is either 150 units injected beneath the skin 3 times a week OR 225 units injected beneath the skin 2 times a week.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) and other drugs

                        Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Follistim AQ (follitropin beta). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Follistim AQ (follitropin beta). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Follistim AQ (follitropin beta)
                        Used for:
                        • Female infertility not caused by ovarian failure

                        • Male infertility not caused by testicular failure

                        $1025.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Used for:
                        $432.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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