Follitropin alpha

Some of the views expressed in the following notes on newly approved products should be regarded as preliminary, as there may have been limited published data at the time of publication, and little experience in Australia of their safety or efficacy. However, the Editorial Executive Committee believes that comments made in good faith at an early stage may still be of value. Before new drugs are prescribed, the Committee believes it is important that more detailed information is obtained from the manufacturer's approved product information, a drug information centre or some other appropriate source.

Gonal-F (Serono)

ampoules containing 75 IU or 150 IU as powder for reconstitution

Indication: follicular development
Follitropin alpha is a genetically engineered follicle stimulating hormone. A similar product, follitropin beta is already on the market, but has slightly different indications. Follitropin alpha has been approved for controlled ovarian hyper stimulation in women 'undergoing assisted reproductive technologies' and for the treatment of an ovulatory infertility in women who have a contraindication or have failed to respond to clomiphene.