rFSH (Recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is used in the treatment of male and female infertility. It stimulates follicular development in women and supports sperm production in men with specific hormonal deficiencies.

Indications

In Women:

Ovulation Induction in anovulatory infertility
Controlled Ovarian Stimulation during Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures such as IVF
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility

In Men:

Induction of spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, in combination with hCG

Pharmacology

rFSH is a recombinant DNA-derived form of human Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) produced in genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. It acts directly on the ovaries to stimulate follicular growth and maturation in women and on the testes to promote sperm production in men. It contains no luteinizing hormone (LH) activity.

Dosage & Administration

Administered by slow subcutaneous (SC) injection.
Dosage should be individualized according to patient response and monitored through ultrasound and hormone assessments.

Women

Ovulation induction: Usually starts at 75 IU daily.
ART cycles: Usually 150-300 IU daily initially.
PCOS: Generally starts with 75 IU daily and adjusted gradually according to ovarian response.

Men

hCG pretreatment is required.
Following testosterone normalization, rFSH is administered at 300 IU weekly (divided doses) along with hCG.

Side Effects

Common and significant side effects may include:

Pelvic pain
Abdominal discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating
Sudden weight gain
Breathing difficulty
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Multiple pregnancy (twins or higher-order pregnancies)

Contraindications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Primary ovarian failure
Primary testicular failure
Tumors of the ovary, breast, uterus, pituitary, or hypothalamus
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Hypersensitivity to any component of the product
Uterine fibroids incompatible with pregnancy