Drug Notes

Menotropins (By injection)

Treats infertility. This is a hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Menopur

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• To use:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Mix the sodium chloride solution into the vial of powder as directed. Gently swirl the vial until the solution is clear. Do not shake it. Make sure the medicine is completely dissolved. Do not use it if you see any particles floating in the medicine.
  • Draw the medicine into a sterile syringe. Release any air bubbles from the syringe.
  • Clean the injection site with alcohol.
  • Depress the plunger slowly and steadily into your lower abdomen or stomach. Alternate sides of your lower abdomen each time you give yourself an injection.
  • Withdraw the needle quickly and apply pressure to the injection site until the bleeding stops.
  • Always give the shot right after you mix the medicine. Throw away any unused medicine.
  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• It is very important that you keep track of each dose you inject. Your doctor or nurse will help you with this.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• Store the unused powder in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect from light. After mixing , use it immediately. Throw away any unused mixed medicine.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have lung or breathing problems, blood vessel problems, or a history of blood clots, stroke, ovarian torsion, or abdominal surgery.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Blood clots
  • An increased risk of ovarian cancer
  • An increased risk of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
• Talk to your doctor about the possibility that this medicine could cause you to get pregnant with twins, triplets, or multiple babies.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Ultrasound examinations will also be needed to check for unwanted effects.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
• Decrease in how often or how much you urinate
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf)
• Severe menstrual-like cramps, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Pain, swelling, itching, burning, redness, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017