You’ve seen many patients face financial hurdles during treatment. Our nonprofit advocacy partners provide alternative savings options to help eligible patients pay for (and move forward with) their treatment plans.
Through collaborations and partnerships with other industry leaders, we’ve dedicated ourselves to fertility advocacy and financial assistance to help make a difference in patients’ lives. The following organizations provide loans, grants, or scholarships that can help your eligible patients manage the cost of treatment when growing their family.*
LIVESTRONG helps men and women diagnosed during their reproductive years understand cancer-related risks to fertility. They also provide eligible patients with access to discounted fertility preservation services and free EMD Serono medication.
Learn more about LIVESTRONG Fertility
†EMD Serono has no control over eligibility or qualifications. EMD Serono's sole responsibility and involvement with respect to the LIVESTRONG Fertility Network is limited to the donation of fertility medications.
To empower Black women to take charge of their fertility and reproductive health, Fertility for Colored Girls offers education, awareness, support, and encouragement to Black women, Black couples, and other women of color who are experiencing infertility and seeking to build a family.
The organization also provides grants through yearly fundraisers to support patients going through IVF treatment.
Learn more about Fertility for Colored Girls
RESOLVE promotes reproductive health and equal access to all family-building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders. They also provide financial guidance for treatment.
The Cade Foundation provides educational programs on pathways to parenthood, as well as grants to help families with the cost of adoption and fertility treatment.
INCIID (pronounced “inside”) helps individuals and couples explore their family-building options. They also provide grants for IVF treatment through a series of yearly fundraising events.
This leader in education and financial assistance helps men start families through gestational surrogacy.
With a focus on creating awareness through support in the fertility community, Baby Quest provides financial assistance through fertility grants to those who cannot afford the high cost of advanced procedures such as IVF, gestational surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, egg freezing, artificial insemination, and embryo donation.
The Bundle of Joy Fund advocates for infertility education and awareness, and offers financial assistance for IVF treatment to those struggling to conceive a child through the REACH Clinic of Charlotte.
HelpCureHD is on a mission to prevent the gene that causes Huntington’s Disease, a hereditary brain disorder, from being passed on to future generations. They provide monetary assistance to close the financial gap that stands between some couples and preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single gene defects (PGT-M IVF), the only option available that guarantees a biological child is HD-free
Support doesn’t always have to be financial. We also collaborate with organizations that assist fertility and family-building through other efforts.
An advocate for LGBTQ+ families and those who wish to form them, Family Equality Council focuses on advancing legal and lived equality by building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change.
Comprised of leading experts in the field, The Alliance is on a mission to increase information, resources, and access to fertility preservation for cancer patients and the healthcare professionals who treat them.
Pregnantish helps people with infertility navigate the emotional, personal, and practical realities of an often-overwhelming process. Their mission is to inspire, educate, and connect the millions of women and men who are starting their families.
These links are provided solely as a convenience to you and not as an endorsement by EMD Serono of the content on such third-party web sites.
Terms and conditions for qualifications are determined solely by each of our advocacy partners individually. Eligibility details can be found on each of our advocacy partners website. EMD Serono has no control over eligibility or qualifications.
Summary of Contraindications Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject® and Gonal-f® RFF* 75 IU are contraindicated in women who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to rhFSH or excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid, adrenal or pituitary disorders, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract/accessory organs, tumors of pituitary gland or hypothalamus, abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin and ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin. Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject® is contraindicated in pregnancy. Gonal-f® Multi-Dose is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to rhFSH or excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid, adrenal or pituitary disorders, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract/accessory organs, tumors of pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Gonal-f® Multi-Dose is also contraindicated in women who exhibit abnormal uterine bleeding and/or ovarian cyst enlargement of undetermined origin. Please scroll for full IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION for Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject®, Gonal-f® Multi-Dose and Gonal-f® RFF* 75 IU and click here for full Prescribing Information for each individual product. * RFF: Revised Formulation Female
Important Risk Information for Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject® (follitropin alfa injection) Contraindications:
Warnings and Precautions:
Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in OI include: headache, abdominal pain, and ovarian hyperstimulation. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in ART include: abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal enlargement, headache, and injection site reactions (pain, bruising). Patient Counseling: In addition to advising patients about the proper use of treatment, the duration and necessity of monitoring, handling of missed doses, OHSS, and multi-fetal gestation and birth, patients should be advised to review the Patient Information Leaflet which contains risk information, follow the Instructions for Use for the Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject®, not share the device or reuse needles, and to ask their Healthcare Provider about questions. Indications and Usage:
Prior to treatment complete an evaluation of female and male partners to determine infertility diagnosis and fertility status. Primary ovarian failure and pregnancy should be excluded.
* RFF: Revised Formulation Female
Important Risk Information for Gonal-f® Multi-Dose (follitropin alfa for injection) Contraindications: GONAL-F® Multi-Dose is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit:
GONAL-F Multi-Dose is also contraindicated in women who exhibit:
WARNINGS Overstimulation of the Ovary During FSH Therapy: Ovarian Torsion Abnormal Ovarian Enlargement Multi-fetal Gestation and Birth Embryofetal toxicity Ectopic Pregnancy Spontaneous Abortion Ovarian Neoplasms Laboratory Tests In most instances, treatment of women with GONAL-F Multi-Dose will result only in follicular recruitment and development. In the absence of an endogenous LH surge, hCG is given to trigger ovulation when monitoring of the woman indicates that sufficient follicular development has occurred. This may be estimated by ultrasound alone or in combination with measurement of serum estradiol levels. The combination of both ultrasound and serum estradiol measurement are useful for monitoring follicular growth and maturation, timing of the ovulatory trigger, detecting ovarian enlargement and minimizing the risk of the OHSS and multiple gestation. ADVERSE REACTIONS Men - There was one serious adverse reaction of gynecomastia requiring surgical excision of breast tissue in a 50-year-old man who received 9 months of therapy with GONAL-F Multi-Dose. Pathology report showed gynecomastia with no atypia. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2 patients were acne, injection site pain, gynecomastia, seborrhea, fatigue and libido decreased. Specific Populations: Pregnancy: GONAL-F Multi-Dose is not indicated in pregnant women. There is no human data that the use of gonadotropins (including GONAL-F Multi-Dose) alone or as part of IVF or ICSI cycles, increases the risk of congenital malformations.
Lactation: There are no data on the presence of GONAL-F Multi-Dose in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because the secretion of prolactin during lactation can result in inadequate response to ovarian stimulation, advise women not to breast feed during treatment with GONAL-F Multi-Dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Because GONAL-F Multi-Dose is not indicated in pregnant women, verify a negative pregnancy test before administering GONAL-F Multi-Dose to a woman
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of GONAL-F Multi-Dose in postmenopausal women have not been established and it is not indicated in this population.
Patient Counseling: Instruct women and men on the correct usage and dosing of GONAL-F Multi-Dose. Caution against changing the dosage or the schedule of administration unless instructed to do so by a healthcare provider. Prior to beginning therapy with GONAL-F Multi-Dose, inform women and men about the time commitment and monitoring procedures necessary for treatment Inform women and men that if they miss or forget to take a dose of GONAL-F Multi-Dose, they should not double the next dose and should call their healthcare provider for further dosing instructions. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use for GONAL-F Multi-Dose Indications and Usage:
Important Risk Information for GONAL-F® RFF* 75 IU (follitropin alfa for injection) Contraindications:
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions and Anaphylaxis In the post-marketing experience, serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with use of GONAL-F and GONAL-F RFF. Symptoms have included dyspnea, facial edema, pruritus, and urticaria. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, initiate appropriate therapy including supportive measures if cardiovascular instability and/or respiratory compromise occur, and discontinue further use.
Overstimulation of the Ovary During FSH Therapy:
Pulmonary and Vascular Complications: Serious pulmonary conditions (for example, atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome and exacerbation of asthma) have been reported in women treated with gonadotropins, including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. In addition, thromboembolic events both in association with, and separate from OHSS have been reported in women treated with gonadotropins, including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. Intravascular thrombosis and embolism, which may originate in venous or arterial vessels, can result in reduced blood flow to critical organs or the extremities. Women with generally recognized risk factors for thrombosis, such as personal or family history, severe obesity, or thrombophilia, may have an increased risk of venous or arterial thromboembolic events, during or following treatment with gonadotropins. Sequelae of such events have included venous thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction, cerebral vascular occlusion (stroke), and arterial occlusion resulting in loss of limb and rarely in myocardial infarctions. In rare cases, pulmonary complications and/or thromboembolic events have resulted in death. In women with recognized risk factors, the benefits of ovulation induction and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) need to be weighed against the risks. It should be noted that pregnancy also carries an increased risk of thrombosis. Ovarian Torsion Ovarian torsion has been reported after treatment with gonadotropins, including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. This may be related to OHSS, pregnancy, previous abdominal surgery, past history of ovarian torsion, previous or current ovarian cyst and polycystic ovaries. Early diagnosis and immediate detorsion limit damage to the ovary due to reduced blood supply.
Abnormal Ovarian Enlargement In order to minimize the hazards associated with abnormal ovarian enlargement that may occur with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU therapy, individualize treatment and use the lowest effective dose. Use of ultrasound monitoring of ovarian response and/or measurement of serum estradiol levels is important to minimize the risk of ovarian stimulation. If the ovaries are abnormally enlarged on the last day of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU therapy, do not administer hCG in order to reduce the chance of developing OHSS. Prohibit intercourse for women with significant ovarian enlargement after ovulation because of the danger of hemoperitoneum resulting from rupture of ovarian cysts.
Multi-fetal Gestation and Birth Multi-fetal gestation and births have been reported with all gonadotropin therapy, including therapy with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. In a trial of induction of ovulation, 20% of live births were multiple births in women receiving GONAL-F RFF 75 IU over three treatment cycles. In an ART trial, 35.1% of live births were multiple births in women receiving GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. The rate of multiple births is dependent on the number of embryos transferred. Advise the woman and her partner of the potential risk of multi-fetal gestation and birth before beginning therapy with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU.
Embryofetal Toxicity The incidence of congenital malformations (birth defects) after some Assisted Reproductive Technology [(ART) specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)] may be slightly higher than after spontaneous conception. This slightly higher incidence is thought to be related to differences in parental characteristics (e.g., maternal age, maternal and paternal genetic background, sperm characteristics) and to the higher incidence of multi-fetal gestations after IVF or ICSI. There is no evidence that the use of gonadotropins during IVF or ICSI is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations.
Ectopic Pregnancy Since infertile women undergoing ART often have tubal abnormalities, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy may be increased in women who become pregnant as a result of ART. Advise women who become pregnant following ART and have: abdominal/pelvic pain (particularly on one side); shoulder, neck or rectal pain; and nausea and vomiting to seek immediate medical attention. Confirm the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy early by β-hCG testing and transvaginal ultrasound. Spontaneous Abortion The risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) is increased with gonadotropin products, including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. However, causality has not been established. The increased risk may be a factor of the underlying infertility. Ovarian Neoplasms There have been infrequent reports of ovarian neoplasms, both benign and malignant, in women who have had multiple drug therapy for controlled ovarian stimulation, however, a causal relationship has not been established.
Laboratory Tests In most instances, treatment of women with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU results only in follicular recruitment and development. In the absence of an endogenous LH surge, hCG is given to trigger ovulation when monitoring of the patient indicates that sufficient follicular development has occurred. This may be estimated by ultrasound alone or in combination with measurement of serum estradiol concentrations. The combination of both ultrasound and serum estradiol measurement are useful for monitoring follicular growth and maturation, timing of the ovulatory trigger, detecting ovarian enlargement and minimizing the risk of the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and multiple gestation. ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) in ovulation induction (OI) include: headache, abdominal pain, ovarian hyperstimulation, injection site pain, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, ovarian cyst, and injection site inflammation. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) in ART include: abdominal pain, headache, abdomen enlarged, injection site bruising, nausea, injection site pain, ovarian hyperstimulation, injection site inflammation, injection site reaction, and injection site edema. SPECIFIC POPULATIONS: Pregnancy: GONAL-F RFF 75 IU is not indicated in pregnant women. There is no human data that the use of gonadotropins (including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU), alone or as part of IVF or ICSI cycles, increases the risk of congenital malformations. Lactation: There are no data on the presence of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because the secretion of prolactin during lactation can result in inadequate response to ovarian stimulation, advise women not to breast feed during treatment with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pediatric use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric use: Safety and effectiveness of GONAL-F RFF in postmenopausal women have not been established and it is not indicated in this population. PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION: Instruct women on the correct usage and dosing of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. Instruct women to reconstitute one or more vials of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU using 1 mL sterile diluent and the 18G 1-1/2” pink mixing needle provided. Instruct women to safely remove mixing needle and replace with 29G ½” needle for injection. Caution women not to change the dosage or the schedule of administration unless she is told to do so by her healthcare provider. Prior to beginning therapy with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU, inform women about the time commitment and monitoring procedures necessary for treatment. Inform the woman that if she misses or forgets to take a dose of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU, she should not double the next dose and should call her healthcare provider for further dosing instructions. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use for GONAL-F RFF 75 IU.
Indications and Usage:
RFF = revised formulation female. |
Important Risk Information for Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection) Cetrotide® is contraindicated in women who are pregnant, are nursing, or have severe renal impairment. Cetrotide® is also contraindicated in women who exhibit or have known hypersensitivity to cetrorelix acetate, mannitol, extrinsic peptide hormone, GnRH or any other GnRH analogs. Treatment with Cetrotide® is not advised in women with severe allergic conditions. Cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactoid reactions have been reported. Other adverse events reported include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, nausea, headache, and local injection site reactions. Multiple births and congenital abnormalities have been reported. Indication
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Important Risk Information for Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe (choriogonadotropin alfa injection) Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe should only be used by physicians who are experienced with infertility problems, their management and appropriate selection and monitoring of patients. Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe is contraindicated in women who exhibit prior sensitivity to hCG preparations, mannitol, or one of their other excipients, primary ovarian failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, an uncontrolled intracranial lesion, abnormal uterine bleeding of an undetermined origin, an ovarian cyst or enlargement of an undetermined origin. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe. Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and ovarian enlargement with or without pulmonary and vascular complications. Adverse reactions reported include injection site reactions, GI disorders, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, ovarian cyst, ovarian hyperstimulation, and thromboembolic events. Multiple births and congenital abnormalities have been reported. Indication
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Summary of Contraindications Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject® and Gonal-f® RFF* 75 IU are contraindicated in women who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to rhFSH or excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid, adrenal or pituitary disorders, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract/accessory organs, tumors of pituitary gland or hypothalamus, abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin and ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin. Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject® is contraindicated in pregnancy. Gonal-f® Multi-Dose is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to rhFSH or excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid, adrenal or pituitary disorders, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract/accessory organs, tumors of pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Gonal-f® Multi-Dose is also contraindicated in women who exhibit abnormal uterine bleeding and/or ovarian cyst enlargement of undetermined origin. Please scroll for full IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION for Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject®, Gonal-f® Multi-Dose and Gonal-f® RFF* 75 IU and click here for full Prescribing Information for each individual product. * RFF: Revised Formulation Female
Important Risk Information for Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject® (follitropin alfa injection) Contraindications:
Warnings and Precautions:
Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in OI include: headache, abdominal pain, and ovarian hyperstimulation. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in ART include: abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal enlargement, headache, and injection site reactions (pain, bruising). Patient Counseling: In addition to advising patients about the proper use of treatment, the duration and necessity of monitoring, handling of missed doses, OHSS, and multi-fetal gestation and birth, patients should be advised to review the Patient Information Leaflet which contains risk information, follow the Instructions for Use for the Gonal-f® RFF* Redi-ject®, not share the device or reuse needles, and to ask their Healthcare Provider about questions. Indications and Usage:
Prior to treatment complete an evaluation of female and male partners to determine infertility diagnosis and fertility status. Primary ovarian failure and pregnancy should be excluded.
* RFF: Revised Formulation Female
Important Risk Information for Gonal-f® Multi-Dose (follitropin alfa for injection) Contraindications: GONAL-F® Multi-Dose is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit:
GONAL-F Multi-Dose is also contraindicated in women who exhibit:
WARNINGS Overstimulation of the Ovary During FSH Therapy: Ovarian Torsion Abnormal Ovarian Enlargement Multi-fetal Gestation and Birth Embryofetal toxicity Ectopic Pregnancy Spontaneous Abortion Ovarian Neoplasms Laboratory Tests In most instances, treatment of women with GONAL-F Multi-Dose will result only in follicular recruitment and development. In the absence of an endogenous LH surge, hCG is given to trigger ovulation when monitoring of the woman indicates that sufficient follicular development has occurred. This may be estimated by ultrasound alone or in combination with measurement of serum estradiol levels. The combination of both ultrasound and serum estradiol measurement are useful for monitoring follicular growth and maturation, timing of the ovulatory trigger, detecting ovarian enlargement and minimizing the risk of the OHSS and multiple gestation. ADVERSE REACTIONS Men - There was one serious adverse reaction of gynecomastia requiring surgical excision of breast tissue in a 50-year-old man who received 9 months of therapy with GONAL-F Multi-Dose. Pathology report showed gynecomastia with no atypia. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2 patients were acne, injection site pain, gynecomastia, seborrhea, fatigue and libido decreased. Specific Populations: Pregnancy: GONAL-F Multi-Dose is not indicated in pregnant women. There is no human data that the use of gonadotropins (including GONAL-F Multi-Dose) alone or as part of IVF or ICSI cycles, increases the risk of congenital malformations.
Lactation: There are no data on the presence of GONAL-F Multi-Dose in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because the secretion of prolactin during lactation can result in inadequate response to ovarian stimulation, advise women not to breast feed during treatment with GONAL-F Multi-Dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Because GONAL-F Multi-Dose is not indicated in pregnant women, verify a negative pregnancy test before administering GONAL-F Multi-Dose to a woman
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of GONAL-F Multi-Dose in postmenopausal women have not been established and it is not indicated in this population.
Patient Counseling: Instruct women and men on the correct usage and dosing of GONAL-F Multi-Dose. Caution against changing the dosage or the schedule of administration unless instructed to do so by a healthcare provider. Prior to beginning therapy with GONAL-F Multi-Dose, inform women and men about the time commitment and monitoring procedures necessary for treatment Inform women and men that if they miss or forget to take a dose of GONAL-F Multi-Dose, they should not double the next dose and should call their healthcare provider for further dosing instructions. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use for GONAL-F Multi-Dose Indications and Usage:
Important Risk Information for GONAL-F® RFF* 75 IU (follitropin alfa for injection) Contraindications:
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions and Anaphylaxis In the post-marketing experience, serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with use of GONAL-F and GONAL-F RFF. Symptoms have included dyspnea, facial edema, pruritus, and urticaria. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, initiate appropriate therapy including supportive measures if cardiovascular instability and/or respiratory compromise occur, and discontinue further use.
Overstimulation of the Ovary During FSH Therapy:
Pulmonary and Vascular Complications: Serious pulmonary conditions (for example, atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome and exacerbation of asthma) have been reported in women treated with gonadotropins, including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. In addition, thromboembolic events both in association with, and separate from OHSS have been reported in women treated with gonadotropins, including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. Intravascular thrombosis and embolism, which may originate in venous or arterial vessels, can result in reduced blood flow to critical organs or the extremities. Women with generally recognized risk factors for thrombosis, such as personal or family history, severe obesity, or thrombophilia, may have an increased risk of venous or arterial thromboembolic events, during or following treatment with gonadotropins. Sequelae of such events have included venous thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction, cerebral vascular occlusion (stroke), and arterial occlusion resulting in loss of limb and rarely in myocardial infarctions. In rare cases, pulmonary complications and/or thromboembolic events have resulted in death. In women with recognized risk factors, the benefits of ovulation induction and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) need to be weighed against the risks. It should be noted that pregnancy also carries an increased risk of thrombosis. Ovarian Torsion Ovarian torsion has been reported after treatment with gonadotropins, including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. This may be related to OHSS, pregnancy, previous abdominal surgery, past history of ovarian torsion, previous or current ovarian cyst and polycystic ovaries. Early diagnosis and immediate detorsion limit damage to the ovary due to reduced blood supply.
Abnormal Ovarian Enlargement In order to minimize the hazards associated with abnormal ovarian enlargement that may occur with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU therapy, individualize treatment and use the lowest effective dose. Use of ultrasound monitoring of ovarian response and/or measurement of serum estradiol levels is important to minimize the risk of ovarian stimulation. If the ovaries are abnormally enlarged on the last day of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU therapy, do not administer hCG in order to reduce the chance of developing OHSS. Prohibit intercourse for women with significant ovarian enlargement after ovulation because of the danger of hemoperitoneum resulting from rupture of ovarian cysts.
Multi-fetal Gestation and Birth Multi-fetal gestation and births have been reported with all gonadotropin therapy, including therapy with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. In a trial of induction of ovulation, 20% of live births were multiple births in women receiving GONAL-F RFF 75 IU over three treatment cycles. In an ART trial, 35.1% of live births were multiple births in women receiving GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. The rate of multiple births is dependent on the number of embryos transferred. Advise the woman and her partner of the potential risk of multi-fetal gestation and birth before beginning therapy with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU.
Embryofetal Toxicity The incidence of congenital malformations (birth defects) after some Assisted Reproductive Technology [(ART) specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)] may be slightly higher than after spontaneous conception. This slightly higher incidence is thought to be related to differences in parental characteristics (e.g., maternal age, maternal and paternal genetic background, sperm characteristics) and to the higher incidence of multi-fetal gestations after IVF or ICSI. There is no evidence that the use of gonadotropins during IVF or ICSI is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations.
Ectopic Pregnancy Since infertile women undergoing ART often have tubal abnormalities, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy may be increased in women who become pregnant as a result of ART. Advise women who become pregnant following ART and have: abdominal/pelvic pain (particularly on one side); shoulder, neck or rectal pain; and nausea and vomiting to seek immediate medical attention. Confirm the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy early by β-hCG testing and transvaginal ultrasound. Spontaneous Abortion The risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) is increased with gonadotropin products, including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. However, causality has not been established. The increased risk may be a factor of the underlying infertility. Ovarian Neoplasms There have been infrequent reports of ovarian neoplasms, both benign and malignant, in women who have had multiple drug therapy for controlled ovarian stimulation, however, a causal relationship has not been established.
Laboratory Tests In most instances, treatment of women with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU results only in follicular recruitment and development. In the absence of an endogenous LH surge, hCG is given to trigger ovulation when monitoring of the patient indicates that sufficient follicular development has occurred. This may be estimated by ultrasound alone or in combination with measurement of serum estradiol concentrations. The combination of both ultrasound and serum estradiol measurement are useful for monitoring follicular growth and maturation, timing of the ovulatory trigger, detecting ovarian enlargement and minimizing the risk of the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and multiple gestation. ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) in ovulation induction (OI) include: headache, abdominal pain, ovarian hyperstimulation, injection site pain, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, ovarian cyst, and injection site inflammation. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) in ART include: abdominal pain, headache, abdomen enlarged, injection site bruising, nausea, injection site pain, ovarian hyperstimulation, injection site inflammation, injection site reaction, and injection site edema. SPECIFIC POPULATIONS: Pregnancy: GONAL-F RFF 75 IU is not indicated in pregnant women. There is no human data that the use of gonadotropins (including GONAL-F RFF 75 IU), alone or as part of IVF or ICSI cycles, increases the risk of congenital malformations. Lactation: There are no data on the presence of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because the secretion of prolactin during lactation can result in inadequate response to ovarian stimulation, advise women not to breast feed during treatment with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pediatric use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric use: Safety and effectiveness of GONAL-F RFF in postmenopausal women have not been established and it is not indicated in this population. PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION: Instruct women on the correct usage and dosing of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU. Instruct women to reconstitute one or more vials of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU using 1 mL sterile diluent and the 18G 1-1/2” pink mixing needle provided. Instruct women to safely remove mixing needle and replace with 29G ½” needle for injection. Caution women not to change the dosage or the schedule of administration unless she is told to do so by her healthcare provider. Prior to beginning therapy with GONAL-F RFF 75 IU, inform women about the time commitment and monitoring procedures necessary for treatment. Inform the woman that if she misses or forgets to take a dose of GONAL-F RFF 75 IU, she should not double the next dose and should call her healthcare provider for further dosing instructions. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use for GONAL-F RFF 75 IU.
Indications and Usage:
RFF = revised formulation female. |
Important Risk Information for Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection) Cetrotide® is contraindicated in women who are pregnant, are nursing, or have severe renal impairment. Cetrotide® is also contraindicated in women who exhibit or have known hypersensitivity to cetrorelix acetate, mannitol, extrinsic peptide hormone, GnRH or any other GnRH analogs. Treatment with Cetrotide® is not advised in women with severe allergic conditions. Cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactoid reactions have been reported. Other adverse events reported include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, nausea, headache, and local injection site reactions. Multiple births and congenital abnormalities have been reported. Indication
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Important Risk Information for Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe (choriogonadotropin alfa injection) Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe should only be used by physicians who are experienced with infertility problems, their management and appropriate selection and monitoring of patients. Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe is contraindicated in women who exhibit prior sensitivity to hCG preparations, mannitol, or one of their other excipients, primary ovarian failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, an uncontrolled intracranial lesion, abnormal uterine bleeding of an undetermined origin, an ovarian cyst or enlargement of an undetermined origin. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe. Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and ovarian enlargement with or without pulmonary and vascular complications. Adverse reactions reported include injection site reactions, GI disorders, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, ovarian cyst, ovarian hyperstimulation, and thromboembolic events. Multiple births and congenital abnormalities have been reported. Indication
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