Lutropin alpha belongs to the class of medications called gonadotropins. Lutropin alpha contains the human hormone luteinizing hormone (LH). Lutropin alpha is a fertility medication that helps follicles (eggs) in the ovaries to develop and mature. It is used in combination with another fertility medication called Gonal-f® (follitropin alpha) when a women's pituitary gland does not produce enough LH.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual dose of lutropin alpha is 75 IU injected under the skin daily, around the same time each day. Treatment usually lasts for 14 days or less.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Your doctor or health care professional will show you how to inject this medication properly. This medication can be mixed in the same syringe as Gonal-f® (follitropin alpha) and given as one injection.

Once the dose of medication has been prepared, it should be used immediately. Discard any unused material after use. Do not use your injectable solution if it appears cloudy, lumpy, or discoloured. Read the patient information carefully and ask your doctor or health care professional any questions you may have.

It is important that you follow the dosing schedule closely and that you keep all doctor's appointments. Your doctor will monitor how your ovaries are responding to the medication and frequent appointments will be necessary. If you miss a dose of this medication, contact your doctor to see when your next dose should be given.

Store this medication at room temperature or in the refrigerator (2°C to 25°C), protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not expose to extreme heat or cold.

Each vial of sterile powder contains 75 IU of luteinizing hormone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: sucrose, L-methionine, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, and polysorbate 20. Phosphoric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be used for pH adjustment.

Do not take lutropin alpha if you:

• are allergic to lutropin alpha, gonadotrophins, or any ingredients of the medication
• are pregnant
• are breast-feeding
• have abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown cause
• have active, untreated tumours of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
• have an ovarian cyst (not related to polycystic ovarian disease) or have an unknown cause of ovarian enlargement
• have primary ovarian failure
• have sex-hormone (e.g., estrogen) dependent tumours of the reproductive organs or breasts
• have uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal problems
• have a condition which would make a normal pregnancy impossible such as premature menopause, malformed sexual organs, tumours of the uterus

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain
• breast tenderness
• constipation
• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• gas
• headache
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (not continuing or severe)
• pain, redness, itching, swelling at the place of injection
• painful menstruation

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a blood clot in blood vessels (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain, pain and swelling in one leg muscle)
• signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat)
• signs of stroke (sudden trouble with vision, dizziness, sudden severe and unusual headache, weakness, difficulty speaking)
• symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome:
• abdominal or pelvic discomfort or pain
• decreased urination
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• nausea
• rapid weight gain
• vomiting

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Blood clots: This medication may increase the chance of blood clot formation causing a reduction of blood flow to the extremities. If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Multiple births: Multiple births may occur with fertility medications. Talk to your doctor about the risks of multiple births before beginning treatment.

Ovarian enlargement: Some women using this medication may experience ovarian enlargement associated with abdominal bloating or pain. In most cases, these symptoms go away without treatment within 2 or 3 weeks. If you experience these symptoms contact your doctor.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Treatment with this medication can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). With OHSS, too many follicles grow and cause abdominal or pelvic discomfort or pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain. Some women may experience difficulty breathing and diarrhea. OHSS can progress rapidly and may become serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: The effect of lutropin alpha on an unborn baby is unknown. To avoid the possibility of harm to the baby, this medication should not be used during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if lutropin alpha passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medication.

Children: This medication is intended for use by women of child-bearing age. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established for children.

Seniors: This medication is intended for use by women of child-bearing age. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established for seniors.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.