Type of medicine: gonadotropin; infertility therapy; ovulation stimulator
Generic and brand names: lutropin alfa, injection; Luveris
This medicine is a fertility drug given by injection (shot) to help a woman get pregnant. It is used with another fertility medicine to stimulate a egg to develop and mature.
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
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 occurred 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.
Shots of this medicine are given along with shots of another fertility medicine. Usually you will have daily shots for up to 14 days per cycle.
The shots are given just under the skin. If your healthcare provider is giving you the shots, keep all your appointments.
Sometimes you can give yourself these shots or have someone at home give them to you. Be sure you know how and when to have shots and how much medicine to use. Use sterile, disposable syringes and needles. Use each syringe and needle only once and dispose of them safely, following your healthcare provider's instructions.
Do not shake the medicine.
Do not use the medicine if you see any particles floating in it. The solution should be clear and colorless.
If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
If you miss a dose, ask your healthcare provider when you should receive your next dose.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
If you are not having in vitro fertilization, your healthcare provider will tell you on which days each month you need to have sexual intercourse. It may take several months to become pregnant.
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 condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The symptoms are severe abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, vomiting, 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.
Multiple births (two or more babies from one pregnancy) may occur 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, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
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).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Sudden severe headache or vomiting; dizziness or fainting; problems with vision or speech; weakness, tingling, or numbness in an arm or leg; chest pain; pain in the calf; vaginal bleeding that continues; severe abdominal bloating and pain; shortness of breath; reduced urination; rapid weight gain; severe nausea; severe diarrhea.
Other: Minor abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, irritation where the shots are given, breast tenderness, headache, tiredness, constipation, muscle or joint pain.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
Be sure that you tell your healthcare provider if you are having shots of other hormones.
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.
Store this medicine at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep the vial tightly closed. Use the medicine immediately after mixing. Discard any unused medicine. Protect the medicine from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
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.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
