An open box displaying a Puregon Pen

Puregon Fertility Drug is Used To:

 
  1. Induce the development of many follicles in assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization and intrauterine artificial insemination.
  2. Trigger ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome after being unresponsive to Clomifene Citrate or females undergoing fertility treatment due to problems with ovulation.
  3. Increase sperm production in men, particularly those with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, although it is a rare condition
  The medication is only available with a doctor’s prescription and given through injections. The drug contains follitropin beta as the active ingredient, which is a man-made version of a natural hormone known as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Puregon injections are used to treat infertility in both men and women.  

How the Drug Works

  Follitropin beta which is a copy of the natural FSH affects the ovaries in females and testicles in males directly. In women, it (follitropin beta) stimulates multiple follicle development and maturity, follicles holds developing eggs. Women having difficulties conceiving due to irregular ovulation benefits from the medication. Additionally, this medication may be used in women who have used Clomid without any success of getting pregnant, especially women with PCOS. The usual starting dose to stimulate ovulation is 50 IU, from the 7th day of the menstrual cycle to the 14th day. The doctor may adjust the dose to get the wanted effect. The fertility expert may put you on gonadotropin –releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) prior Puregon medicine. GnRHa minimizes the amount of follicle stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This is crucial for FSH to be replaced by Puregon and the medical care provider to give it in the required quantity every day to restore fertility. Once the follicles are mature, Puregon is stopped and the doctor administers another injection known as human chronic gonadotropin to trigger ovulation. The active substance in Puregon is manufactured through a method by the name, recombinant DNA technology.   Men also benefit from the medication; it stimulates the testicles to produce sperm. In males, HCG injection is giving first, Puregon injection comes second. Why is this so? It raises testosterone to the desired level. However, treatment with HCG should continue together with Puregon. Still, the initial dose is 150 IU three times a week or 225 IU two times every week.   Puregon therapy is administered by a doctor with experience in fertility treatment. The remedy may entail several injections, thus it may be tedious going to the physician office daily to receive the shots. The nurse can train you and a loved one on the steps to give the injection so that the shots can be administered at home. This medication is available either in the form of a powder for a solution or a solution. Thanks to technology, the solution comes with a Puregon pen for easier use, particularly if getting the shot at home. Furthermore, Puregon cartridges are available in the following strengths:  
  • 300 IU (international units)
  • 600 IU
  • 900 IU
  The fertility expert prescribes a dosage, depending on why the medication is being used and gender. The refrigerator is the best Puregon storage, but should be kept in the main compartment of the refrigerator; don’t store in the freezer or the ice box. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to inject this drug at room temperature, so remember to take the medicine out of the fridge before you get ready to give yourself the shot. If you prefer to store the medication outside the refrigerator, please bear in mind you can only store unused drug for only three months or until the expiry date printed on the package; whichever comes first. Note, however, that once the cartridge has been pierced by the needle, the cartridge is stored for a maximum of 28 days between 2 to 25 degrees Celsius. Also, keep the cartridge away from direct light. Worried on how to use a Puregon pen? The procedure is easy and simple. A nurse or a trained medical professional will take you through training on Puregon pen instructions, pay attention to ensure you don’t miss out on any step. Ask questions for clarification.  

Use of Puregon in IVF or IUI

  Puregon and IUI are tried first in women having challenges with conception. Before IUI is carried out, the fertility specialist checks if one is in good health, such as hormonal levels and the condition of the uterus ( if it can support a pregnancy). If FSH levels are low, the Puregon IUI injections will be given and he will closely monitor the progress by ultrasound as well as blood tests. Once the adequate response is attained, HCG will be given for ovulation to take place and the washed sperms are placed into the uterus. What are Puregon IUI success rates? The success rates depend on one woman to another, but many have conceived while on the medication; the unsuccessful ones have to explore other alternatives.   If a woman has gone through Puregon IUI cycles without any success, the next alternative is Puregon IVF. The medicine triggers the development of multiple follicles and eggs. The woman is observed closely, human chronic gonadotropin is given once the desired effect is noted and Puregon is stopped. IVF is scheduled to harvest at least 15 eggs once ovulation takes place. The advantage of IVF is that the couple has several options, such as using donor eggs or sperms. In IVF, fertilization takes place outside a woman’s body, and the embryo or embryos are placed in the womb. Many patients have shared their Puregon IVF success stories to the members of the support group to encourage those dealing with infertility; it's traumatic and energy consuming dealing with infertility.   Initial dosage of this medication in IVF ranges between 150 IU to 225 IU once daily for five days or as per the doctor’s prescription. If ineffective it may be increased by 75 IU to 150 IU after every three to five days, the maximum dosage is 450 IU for up to 5 days. Puregon success rates are not only limited to women alone. Men have become fathers thanks to Puregon therapy.   This drugs falls under the category of gonadotropin, there are other forms of gonadotropin, for example, Gonal-F. There has been a debated on Gona-F vs Puregon; which is better than the other. The two gonadotropin works in a similar way, the only slight difference is that Puregon is available in form of a solution or a powder, whereas Gonal-F is in form of a powder. In a nutshell, they have the same effects.  

Side Effects

  Before taking this medication, request the doctor to share Puregon drug information for example, why he has prescribed it and the unwanted effects. If you must take it, its benefits must exceed the side effects. The undesirable effects are many; they may be common or severe. The usual side effects don’t last for long and clear without medical attention. However, in case they turn out to be troublesome, it is wise to visit a hospital. For the severe Puregon pen side effects, the patient needs to visit a health facility once they occur since they can be life threatening. Below are some of the negative effects, both common and severe, for more information, refer to the patient's leaflet or the physician:  
  • Aches and pains
  • Breast tenderness
  • Breast enlargement 
  • Chills 
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Headache
  • Pain, swelling, redness and itching on the injection site
  • Severe abdominal pains
  • Bloating 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation
  If the medical practitioner has administered the drug, don’t worry about the side effects, he is the expert and you will benefit more from the drug. Furthermore, he will give remedies to lessen the unfavorable side effects.   The cost of Puregon is a major concern to many individuals dealing with infertility, yet, the cost for fertility testing and assisted reproductive technology have not been factored in. The drug cost varies significantly from one pharmacy to another. When compared to Clomid, Puregon is more expensive, the good news is that it is very powerful in boosting one's fertility; it increases the number of eggs released in each cycle, therefore the cost is worth it. Ask the fertility expert to refer you to a pharmacy with the best affordable Puregon pen price. You can make this medication affordable by speaking with the human resource department, particularly if the insurance cover is about to be renewed, to see if there are plan choices available to cover fertility treatment. Additionally, visit your fertility center to confirm if there is an oncoming study to take part in. Often, the cost of this drug may be reduced significantly. You can buy Puregon online if the cost is within your budget.  

In Conclusion

  This drug is effective but follow the prescription strictly. If carrying out the shots at home, opt to use Puregon pen, it easier to use and the risk of an under dose or an overdose is very minimal. Ensure you adhere to Puregon pen instructions.