Gonal-f is a drug composed of the hormone FSH, a gonadotropin that acts on the regulation of ovarian production in women.
Specifically, Gonal-f is prescribed for women who need controlled ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment.
There are various Gonal-f formats on the market according to dose and mode of administration. Gonal-f 1050 contains the highest dose of FSH and is administered via subcutanean injection.
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Composition and packaging
The active ingredient of Gonal-f 1050 is alpha-folithropin, a recombinant FSH obtained by genetic engineering from Chinese hamster ovary cells.
The presentation of Gonal-f 1050 is a package containing the following components:
- 1 ampoule of powder with 87 micrograms (mcg) FSH r.
- 1 syringe pre-filled with 2 millilitres (ml) of solvent
- 15 disposable syringes for each daily injection, graduated in international units (IU).
The excipients of Gonal-f 1050 are the following: sucrose 30 mg, disodium phosphate dihydrate 1.11 mg, and monosodium phosphate monohydrate 0.45 mg.
Before the administration of Gonal-f 1050, it will be necessary to reconstruct the drug, i.e. mix the powder with the solvent to obtain the injectable solution.
Finally, each milliliter of the reconstituted solution will contain 600 IU, so that 77 mcg is dosed in 1.75 ml, equivalent to 1050 IU of this medication.
Indications
The mechanism of action of Gonal-f is to provoke follicular recruitment in the woman's ovary and stimulate its development. In this way, it is possible to obtain a greater number of mature eggs to fertilize and thus increase the possibility of achieving a pregnancy.
This drug is usually prescribed to women starting an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, although it is also possible to use it in artificial insemination (AI).
This medicine is available in pharmacies as GONAL-f 1050 Solution for Injection 1050 IU (77 mcg/1.75 ml) and is subject to prescription.
In men, Gonal-f 1050 is used to treat hormonal disorders such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The aim, in this case, will be to stimulate sperm production.
Instructions of use
As we have mentioned, before the administration of Gonal-f, it will be necessary to prepare the injectable solution that will be used for the daily injections.
Reconstruction of the drug
The packaging of Gonal-f 1050 should be kept at a temperature below 25ºC before opening. For the preparation of the mother liquor, it will be necessary to follow the following steps:
- Find a clean surface and wash your hands.
- Take the powder vial and remove the plastic cover. Leave it on the table.
- Remove the cap from the syringe pre-filled with solvent.
- Puncture the needle of the syringe in the center of the rubber stopper of the powder vial.
- Slowly introduce all the solvent into the vial to avoid the formation of bubbles.
- Remove the syringe and gently mix the vial. A transparent solution will be formed.
- Carefully re-cap the needle and place it in a special container.
The vial of the reconstituted drug must be kept in the original container to protect it from light and at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Every day the dose prescribed by the doctor will be taken and stored again.
If Gonal-f 1050 is stored in the refrigerator, it is recommended to take it out 5 minutes before injection to bring it to room temperature.
At the end of the treatment, the remaining solution of Gonal-f 1050 should be discarded, as it cannot be stored open for more than 28 days.
It should be noted that the preparation Gonal-f 1050 should not be reconstituted in any other package than the original.
How do you inject Gonal-f 1050?
The reconstituted solution of Gonal-f 1050 is multi-dose. Therefore, the medicine box includes a series of disposable syringes for daily administration.
In addition, alcohol and gauze must be purchased at the pharmacy to disinfect the injection area.
Below, we will leave the instructions that the patient must follow for the correct administration by subcutaneous injection.
- Take a clean syringe every day, take it out of its container and remove the cap.
- Click on the center of the vial of the prepared solution.
- Twist the vial and load in the syringe the dose prescribed by the doctor for that day of treatment.
- Check that there is no air inside the syringe and remove it carefully.
- Clean the abdominal area with an alcohol-soaked swab. The exact area is below the navel line and on the side.
- Pinch a bit of skin and, with the other hand, insert the needle completely with the bevel facing upwards.
- Press the plunger slowly to the end, release the skin and gently remove the needle.
- Press the area for a couple of seconds with a clean gauze, massaging gently so that the solution disperses under the skin.
- Carefully re-cap the needle and place it in a special container.
The next injection should be given at the same time the next day, alternating the injection site on each side of the abdomen to avoid irritation.
The most recommended time range for administering the medication is from 8 to 10 pm.
FAQs from users
How much does Gonal-f 1050 cost?
Due to its higher doses, Gonal-f 1050 is the most expensive format of this drug. The price is at approximately £369, 48 in the UK, and $1,198.00 dollars in the US.
What are the possible side effects of Gonal-f 1050 injection?
A local reaction may occur at the injection site, causing redness, pain, swelling, irritation, or a small bruise. These symptoms are normal and will disappear in a few hours.
Suggested for you
If you want to know what other Gonal-f drugs are on the market, you can get all the information by clicking on the following link: Gonal-f: dose, prices, and administration for IVF.
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References
European Medicines Agency. GONAL-f: EPAR - Product Information. Last actualization: 10/08/2018 (Link)
FAQs from users: 'How much does Gonal-f 1050 cost?' and 'What are the possible side effects of Gonal-f 1050 injection?'.
I’m supposed to get a gonal shot tomorrow, but I haven’t gotten my period yet. What should I do? I asked the gynaecologist and she told me that I would probably get it because I had been on contraception but it hasn’t been and it’s the weekend. I don’t know what I should do: whether or not to prick myself and call on Monday and ask.