Menopur (Menotropin or Menotrophin)

What is Menopur?

Menopur (menotrophin) is a synthetic hormone supplement which helps to treat hormone deficient infertility.

What is Menopur used for?

Menopur is used to stimulate the development of follicles and sperms by fully functioning but hormone deficient ovaries and testes. It also helps stimulate the development of multiple eggs in case of in-vitro fertilization.

It is important to note that the medication is not for use by women who have primary ovarian failure (their ovaries no longer make eggs properly).

How does Menopur work?

Menopur is a combination of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This combination of two hormones stimulates ovulation in ovaries which are capable of producing follicles but is hormone deficient. Similarly it stimulates the production of sperms in fully functioning but hormone deficient testes. Menopur, thus, helps treat certain fertility problems. The drug also helps in the stimulation of multiple eggs for IV fertilization (In-Vitro fertilization).

How to use Menopur

Menopur should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Different formulation of Menopur injection is available for intramuscular and subcutaneous administration. It is advisable that the injection be administered by a health care professional. Or you should learn to self-inject properly from a health care professional.

The injection is generally not used for more than 20 days per treatment cycle. Using a larger dose or taking the injection for a longer period of time than prescribed is not desirable.

If you are self-injecting wash your hands before and after injecting. Do not reuse a syringe or a needle and dispose of a used syringe/needle properly.

You should not use a Menopur formulation if you find discoloration or particles in it.

Do not increase or stop your dose without consultation with your doctor.

Menopur warnings and precautions

Before using Menopur, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you might be already pregnant or if you have any of the following conditions: cancer or tumor of breast, uterus, ovary, pituitary gland or hypothalamus, ovarian cysts, thyroid problem, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or any other serious chronic illness. You may either be advised against using Menopur or may need a dose adjustment in such cases.

Remember that Menopur only replenishes hormone deficiency and hence it will not induce ovulation or sperm production in ill-functioning ovaries or testes.

This drug increases the chances of multiple births. It should be kept in mind that multiple births are risky for both the mother and the fetuses.

Do not use Menopur if you are already pregnant. On the other hand, it is not known for certain whether it passes through breast milk. Therefore, lactating mothers are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of using the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Menopur dose?

If you have missed a Menopur dose, talk to your doctor. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Menopur overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Menopur, consult your doctor immediately.

Menopur interactions

Some drugs may interact with Menopur. Hence it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines/vitamin-mineral supplements that you are taking, before using Menopur.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Menopur side effects

Side effects from Menopur include allergic reactions such as swelling, hives, redness of skin etc. In rare occasions some women develop a condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulatoin Syndrome (OHSS), especially after completion of the first cycle of treatment. This condition has symptoms such as weight gain, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, abdominal pain, swelling of hands and feet. The condition can sometimes be fatal. Serious pulmonary problems are also experienced by some patients. You should seek emergency medical attention in any of these situations.

Headache, pain or weakness in muscles or joints, pain, swelling or irritation at the injection site, abdominal or pelvic pain, breast enlargement or tenderness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, pain, warmth or tenderness in an arm or leg, skin rash are some less serious side effects of Menopur.