Whether you’re brand new to IVF (in vitro fertilization) and ART (assisted reproductive technology), just received your first prescription for MENOPUR, or are currently using MENOPUR, you may have some questions–and we may have some answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about IVF & ART
What is IVF?
IVF is a treatment that addresses infertility and involves the fertilization of an egg by a sperm outside the body, in a laboratory setting. Fertilized eggs are grown into embryos which are then transferred into the uterus in hopes of achieving pregnancy.
What’s the difference between IVF and IUI?
Both treatments are used to address infertility. Unlike in IVF, in IUI (intrauterine insemination) the sperm are placed directly inside of your uterus during ovulation.
why would I consider ivf?
You may consider IVF for many reasons, like age and medical history (including your partner’s). Medical reasons may include endometriosis, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, low sperm count, ovarian conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), unexplained infertility, and egg donorship or surrogacy.
how long does IVF take?
Exact timing will vary from person to person, but you can expect an IVF cycle to take about 4-6 weeks, including time before egg retrieval (when taking fertility medication) until a positive pregnancy test.
What’s included in the IVF process?
IVF is a multi-step process that won’t look exactly the same for each person. You can learn more about the steps involved here.
What is ovarian stimulation?
Ovarian stimulation is a key part of the IVF process where hormones are injected to help develop multiple eggs to be retrieved later. Ovarian stimulation itself will take about 1-2 weeks. Following that, a trigger shot will be administered, which will help these eggs to mature.
Does IVF hurt?
While undergoing IVF certain things, like the administration of hormones during ovarian stimulation, may be slightly painful or uncomfortable.
is IVF common?
Yes, IVF is quite common! In fact, the number of cycles completed has grown year-over-year, so more and more people are following through with their plans to pursue pregnancy with IVF than ever before.
Can I still have sex while undergoing IVF?
Many people can still have sex during IVF, but talk to your doctor about your specific situation.
Do I have to make lifestyle changes during IVF? Can I still work out?
For the most part, you can keep your lifestyle the same during IVF treatment. With that said, it’s important to not overexert yourself, especially in the later stages of your cycle. Your fertility team may have more specific guidelines, so you should talk to them about your lifestyle if you have questions or concerns.
Questions about MENOPUR
Do I need a diagnosis prior to starting treatment with MENOPUR?
Yes, you do need a diagnosis. MENOPUR is a prescription fertility medication and is typically used when a doctor thinks you may need help with ovulation or egg development.
Prior to starting treatment, your fertility team will perform a complete gynecologic and endocrinologic evaluation, and provide a diagnosis. They may then decide to start you on your fertility journey by prescribing MENOPUR.
Is MENOPUR recommended in particular scenarios—like in women with PCOS, diminished ovarian reserve, etc.?
With over 20 years of real-world use, MENOPUR has supported a diverse range of patients and their fertility journeys. However, there are some women who cannot use MENOPUR due to their medical history. Your fertility team will determine if, based on your medical history, MENOPUR will be a part of your IVF process. For a full list of conditions that may make you ineligible, please see the patient information.
How many times a day will I have to administer MENOPUR?
You’ll be self-administering MENOPUR once, each day, according to your fertility team.
How long will I need to use MENOPUR?
Everyone’s needs are different, so your fertility team will have a better idea of exactly how long you’ll be using MENOPUR. Treatment will not exceed more than 20 days.
What are some of the side effects of MENOPUR?
Side effects are possible. The most common side effects of MENOPUR include:
- abdominal cramps, fullness or pain
- headache
- injection site reaction or pain
- ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
If you feel unwell after using MENOPUR, it’s important that you talk to your fertility team as soon as possible.
For more information on the possible side effects of MENOPUR, please see the patient information.
How often will I need to see my fertility team while using MENOPUR?
Throughout treatment with MENOPUR, your fertility team will be at your side, monitoring your progress, performing tests to check your responsiveness, hormone levels, and checking in to make sure that your needs are being met. You’ll likely be seeing a lot of them!
How much will MENOPUR cost me?
Actual cost will vary, but MENOPUR has the broadest coverage of its kind (gonadotropin). MENOPUR is currently covered by 90% of private insurance packages.*
*Coverage as of 6/25. Please note: Subject to change based on individual plan coverage. Check your benefits for more details.
Can I use MENOPUR with my multivitamins? Other drugs? Or Do I have to stop any of my other medications when taking MENOPUR?
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Know the medicines you take and keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
What happens if I accidentally miss a dose?
Mistakes happen.
If you miss a dose, don’t panic and don’t administer an additional dose to make up for the one that was missed. Instead, get in touch with your fertility team to make a plan of action.
Does using MENOPUR improve my chances of a live birth?
Every woman’s response to MENOPUR will be different. Your care team will help you understand how MENOPUR fits into your overall plan and what outcomes you might expect.
MENOPUR® (menotropins for
injection)
MENOPUR® (menotropins for injection) is a prescription medicine that contains hormones. MENOPUR contains follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone activity. These hormones stimulate healthy ovaries to make eggs. MENOPUR is used for women who need medical help to get pregnant. Your doctor may prescribe more than one medicine as part of a pregnancy plan.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- Do not use MENOPUR if you: have ovaries that are not able to make eggs even with the use of hormones, are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, have problems with your thyroid gland or adrenal gland that are not controlled by taking medicine, have tumors in your female organs (including breasts), have a tumor of your pituitary gland or any other tumor in your brain, or have heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding and the cause is not known. Do not use MENOPUR if you have a known previous allergic reaction to these medications.
- MENOPUR may cause serious side effects. They sometimes stimulate the ovaries too much. This is called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and can be a serious medical problem. OHSS may cause pelvic pain or breathing problems, or it may make you urinate less. In rare cases, patients with this problem have had serious lung problems. MENOPUR can also cause blood clots and strokes. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have: severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight gain,
trouble breathing, or decreased or no urination. - MENOPUR may cause pregnancies with twins or more than two babies at the same time, miscarriages, birth defects, and pregnancies located outside the uterus.
- Do not use MENOPUR if you are nursing.
- The most common side effects with MENOPUR are headache, stomach pain, and upset stomach. Sometimes there is an injection-site reaction that can cause bruising, pain, or redness.
These are not all the possible side effects of MENOPUR. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, or you can call Ferring Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-FERRING.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for MENOPUR.
Please see Important Safety Information and Full Prescribing Information