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Home > Drug Category > Fertility Drugs > Menopur and Equivalent

Menopur Information

Menopur (menotropins) is a fertility medication containing a combination of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity. It is used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is also used for ovulation induction in women who are not ovulating and who have not responded to treatment with clomiphene citrate. In men, Menopur is used to stimulate sperm production in those who have primary or secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (low levels of gonadotropins, which are hormones that control reproductive function). The FSH component in Menopur directly stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in women and the production of sperm in men. The LH component supports follicular development and steroidogenesis in women. It enhances the action of FSH on sperm production in men. Menopur is administered by subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into a muscle) injection. The dosage and duration of treatment vary depending on the individual's response and the specific treatment protocol.

Menopur Side Effects

Common side effects of Menopur in women may include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) with symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and weight gain, local injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, or swelling), and hot flashes. In men, typical side effects may include acne, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), and local injection site reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Blood clots (pain, swelling, warmth in legs, chest pain, shortness of breath)
• Blurred vision
• Breast tenderness
• Decreased urination
• Ectopic pregnancy (increased risk in women undergoing ART)
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, joint pain, muscle aches)
• Local injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
• Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression)
• Ovarian neoplasms (rare reports of ovarian tumours in women after fertility treatment)
• Ovarian torsion (sudden, severe pain in lower abdomen) (in women)
• Pulmonary complications (fluid in lungs, difficulty breathing)
• Severe abdominal pain and bloating (in women)
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Severe pelvic pain (in women)
• Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) (increased risk in women undergoing ART)
• Sudden weight gain
• Thromboembolic events (DVT, PE, stroke, myocardial infarction - low but possible risk)

Menopur Precautions

Do not use Menopur if you are allergic to menotropins or any of its ingredients. It is also contraindicated in women with high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (primary ovarian failure), ovarian cysts or enlargement not due to polycystic ovarian syndrome, bleeding from the vagina of undetermined cause, or hormone-sensitive cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, or hypothalamus or pituitary gland. In men, it is contraindicated in those with primary testicular failure. Before starting Menopur, tell your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of ovarian cysts, asthma, epilepsy, migraines, or risk factors for blood clots. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Menopur is not indicated for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as Menopur can interact with other medicines. The use of other ovulation stimulants may increase the risk of OHSS. Careful monitoring by your doctor is essential during Menopur treatment to assess your response and minimize the risk of complications. This typically involves regular blood tests and ultrasound examinations. In women, there is a potential for multiple pregnancies with Menopur treatment. Discuss this risk with your doctor before starting treatment.

Use Menopur exactly as your doctor prescribed. It is administered by subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into a muscle) injection. Your doctor or a trained healthcare professional will usually teach you how to administer the injections at home properly. Follow the instructions provided carefully. Your doctor will determine the dosage and timing of your Menopur injections based on your individual needs and the specific treatment protocol. It is crucial to use the correct dose at the proper times. Do not mix Menopur with other medications in the same syringe unless specifically directed by your doctor. Use a new needle and syringe for each injection and dispose of them properly. Keep all used needles and syringes out of reach of children and pets. Store Menopur vials as directed on the packaging, usually in the refrigerator before reconstitution and according to the instructions after mixing. Keep all medications out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Menopur?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Menopur.