Indications & Uses
Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin is used for sterility in women who have hypo- or normogonadotropic ovarian insufficiency, where it stimulates follicle growth. It is also used for sterility in men who have hypo- or normogonadotropic hypogonadism. In men it is given in combination with HCG to stimulate spermatogenesis.
Pharmacology
Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin acts directly on the ovaries and the testes, and it has both a gametotropic and a steroidogenic effect. In the ovaries, the FSH component increases the number of growing follicles and stimulates their development. FSH also raises the production of estradiol in the granulosa cells by aromatizing androgens that come from the theca cells under the influence of the LH component. In the testes, FSH brings about the change from premature to mature Sertoli cells. Mainly, it causes the seminal canals to mature and the spermatozoa to develop. However, a high concentration of androgens inside the testes is necessary for this, and it can be reached by treating with HCG beforehand.
The medicine is not effective when taken by mouth, so it is injected i.m. or s.c. Its biological effect comes mainly from its FSH and LH content. The pharmacokinetics after i.m. or s.c. injection were tested product specifically. The maximum serum level of FSH is reached 6 to 48 hours after an i.m. injection and 6 to 36 hours after an s.c. injection, respectively. After that, the serum level falls with a half-life of 56 hours (i.m.) and 51 hours (s.c.), respectively. Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin is passed out mainly through the kidneys.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Sterility in females
The dose of Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin for inducing follicle growth in normo- or hypogonadotropic women differs from one woman to another. It depends on how the ovaries react, so the response should be checked with ultrasound examinations of the ovaries and by measuring estradiol levels. If the dose is too high for the woman being treated, multiple uni- and bilateral follicle growth can occur.
The medicine is given intramuscularly or subcutaneously. In general, treatment starts with a daily dose equal to 75 to 150 IU FSH. If the ovaries don't respond, the dose can be raised slowly until a rise in estradiol secretion and follicle growth is clear. The same dose is then continued until the pre-ovulatory estradiol serum level is reached. If the level rises too quickly, the dose should be reduced. To induce ovulation, 5000 or 10000 IU HCG is injected i.m. 1 to 2 days after the last dose of Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin.
Note: If a dose too high for the woman has been given, the HCG that follows can cause unintentional hyperstimulation of the ovaries.
Sterility in males
Treatment begins with 2 X 5000 IU HCG a week, until a normal testosterone serum level is reached. After that, an additional weekly dose of Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (3 X 75 to 150 IU FSH + 75 to 150 IU LH) is given for a few months.
Side Effects
Side-effect information is not available for this brand yet.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Pregnancies that follow induction of ovulation with gonadotropic preparations carry a higher risk of miscarriage, multiple pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy. Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin should not be given to induce ovulation in women whose ovaries have been hyper-stimulated by accident. Before starting HMG in women being treated for infertility, check ovarian activity with an ultrasound and a serum estradiol level. During treatment, repeat these tests every one to two days until stimulation occurs. Ovarian response can also be measured with a cervix index. The woman needs close supervision throughout, and treatment must be stopped at once if unintentional hyper-stimulation occurs. This warning matters most for patients with polycystic ovarian disease. The severe form of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome can be life-threatening. It is marked by large ovarian cysts (which can rupture), ascites, very often hydrothorax, and occasionally thromboembolic phenomena.
Contraindications
Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin must not be used in females who are pregnant, or who have enlargement of the ovaries or cysts not caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is also contraindicated in gynecological bleeding whose cause is unknown, tumors in the uterus, ovaries and breasts, and prior hypersensitivity to Menotrophins or to any of the excipients. The other contraindications in females are a high FSH level indicating primary ovarian failure, uncontrolled thyroid and adrenal dysfunction, and any cause of infertility other than anovulation. In males, it must not be used in carcinoma of the prostate, tumors in the testes, normal gonadotrophin levels indicating normal pituitary function, elevated gonadotrophin levels indicating primary testicular failure, or infertility disorders other than hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Some conditions should be properly treated before Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin therapy is begun. These are dysfunctions of the thyroid gland and the cortex of the suprarenal gland, hyperprolactinemia, and tumors in the pituitary or hypothalamic glands.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin has no indication for use during pregnancy or while a woman is breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Treatment with Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin can over-stimulate the ovaries. This mostly matters clinically only after HCG has been given to induce ovulation (please see the undesirable effects paragraph). If the over-stimulation is slight (Level I), with a slight enlargement of the ovaries (over size 5 to 7 cm), excessive steroid secretion and abdominal pain, no treatment is needed. The patient should still be told about it and watched carefully. When the over-stimulation is Level II, with ovarian cysts (ovary size 8 to 10 cm) and abdominal symptoms, nausea and vomiting, the patient needs clinical supervision and symptomatic treatment, and perhaps an intravenous volume replacement if the hemoglobin concentration is high. Hospitalization is imperative in serious over-stimulation (Level III), with large ovarian cysts (ovary size more than 10 cm) together with ascites, hydrothorax, enlarged abdomen, abdominal pain, dyspnea, salt retention, hemoglobin concentration, increased blood viscosity and platelet aggregation, with the danger of thromboembolisms.
As for undesirable effects, sensitivity to Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin has been seen. A febrile reaction, which may come with chills, musculoskeletal aches or pain, malaise and fatigue, has occurred after the medicine was given. It is not clear whether these were pyrogenic responses or possible allergic reactions. Reports of "flu-like symptoms" have also been received, including fever, chills, musculoskeletal aches, joint pains, nausea, headache and malaise. Other effects are gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating), pain, rash, swelling and/or irritation at the site of injection, body rashes, and dizziness, tachycardia, dyspnea and tachypnea.
The following medical events have been reported after pregnancies resulting from Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin therapy: ectopic pregnancy and congenital abnormalities.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin at 2°C to 8°C and don't freeze it. It can be kept below 25°C, but only for a single period of not more than 3 months. Protect it from light and store it in a dry place.
Once the vial's rubber stopper has been pierced, use the reconstituted solution immediately. Discard any solution that is left.
Common questions about Menofactor 75 IU
What is Menofactor 75 IU IM/SC Injection?
Menofactor 75 IU IM/SC Injection is a medicine that contains Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin. It is made by ZAS Corporation. It belongs to the Female Sex hormones group of medicines.
What is Menofactor used for?
Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin is used for sterility in women who have hypo- or normogonadotropic ovarian insufficiency, where it stimulates follicle growth. It is also used for sterility in men who have hypo- or normogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Can I take Menofactor during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin has no indication for use during pregnancy or while a woman is breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Menofactor?
Treatment with Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin can over-stimulate the ovaries. This mostly matters clinically only after HCG has been given to induce ovulation (please see the undesirable effects paragraph). In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Menofactor?
Keep Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin at 2°C to 8°C and don't freeze it. It can be kept below 25°C, but only for a single period of not more than 3 months.
Do I need a prescription for Menofactor?
Menofactor is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.