Follistim® AQ is a manufactured version of a hormone found naturally in the body called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH, in combination with another hormone called LH (luteinizing hormone), is responsible for the growth of eggs in the ovaries during the menstrual cycle. Follistim® AQ is prescribed to women as a daily subcutaneous (under the skin) injection for approximately 8-12 days to help stimulate the growth and maturation of multiple eggs during fertility treatment such as IVF. It may also be prescribed to men to help improve sperm production.
Follistim® AQ comes in medication cartridges that are loaded into the Follistim Pen for injection. The Follistim Pen allows for dosing in 25 IU increments, from a minimum of 50 IU to a maximum of 450 IU per injection.
- Follistim® AQ Cartridge 300 IU
- Follistim® AQ Cartridge 600 IU
- Follistim® AQ Cartridge 900 IU
Common side effects of Follistim® AQ include:
- Pain, bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Ovarian cyst
- Tiredness
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Breast enlargement
- Acne
- Testicular cyst
Some women using Follistim AQ® develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during or shortly after treatment. OHSS can be life threatening. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms of OHSS including: severe pelvic pain, abdominal pain and bloating, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, decreased urination, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, including:
- Severe allergic reaction: Rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing
- Lung problems: Fluid in your lungs, trouble breathing, worsening of asthma
- Blood clots: Pain, swelling or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Heart attack: Chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up your shoulder, arm, neck, or jawg
- Stroke: Sudden problems with vision, speech, or walking, numbness on one side of your body or face
- Twisting of your ovary: Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Ectopic pregnancy: Stomach or pelvic pain (especially on one side), neck pain, nausea and vomiting, shoulder pain, rectal pain
This is not a complete list of side effects that may occur. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Follistim® AQ should be stored refrigerated (36℉ to 46℉) until it is used for the first time. Should refrigeration be unavailable, Follistim® AQ can be stored at room temperature (below 77℉) for up to three months. After first use, store Follistim® AQ refrigerated or at room temperature (from 36℉ to 77℉) and discard after 28 days. Do not freeze. Store in the original carton to protect from light.