follitropin delta at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (gonadotrophin).
Licensed role
Controlled ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology such as IVF or ICSI.
Administration
Injected under the skin, usually into the abdomen, using a pre-filled pen after appropriate training.
Monitoring
Ovarian response is monitored with ultrasound, sometimes alongside blood oestradiol measurements.
What is follitropin delta used for?
Follitropin delta is licensed for:
Controlled ovarian stimulation to develop multiple follicles in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology, including IVF or ICSI.
How does follitropin delta work?
It acts like the body’s FSH, activating ovarian FSH receptors and promoting the growth and maturation of several follicles from which eggs may be collected. It is produced in a human cell line and has a different glycosylation profile from follitropin alfa and beta.
follitropin delta preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 12 micrograms/0.36 mL, 36 micrograms/1.08 mL, 72 micrograms/2.16 mL
How to take follitropin delta
Use follitropin delta exactly as instructed by the fertility team. Food does not affect a subcutaneous injection.
The first injection should be given under direct medical supervision.
Self-inject only after training and when expert advice is available.
Inject under the skin, preferably in the abdominal wall, following the pen instructions.
Do not use the solution if it is cloudy, coloured or contains particles.
Store refrigerated and protected from light; do not freeze. Follow the product instructions for storage after removal from the refrigerator or first use.
follitropin delta side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
Get urgent medical advice
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: increasing abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid weight gain, reduced urine or breathlessness
- Rare blood clots, which may cause chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood or neurological symptoms
- Ovarian torsion, which may cause sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain
follitropin delta in pregnancy
Follitropin delta is not indicated during pregnancy. If pregnancy is suspected or exposure occurs after conception, contact the fertility team. There are no data on inadvertent exposure specifically to follitropin delta in pregnant women.
follitropin delta while breastfeeding
Follitropin delta is not indicated during breastfeeding. Discuss feeding plans with the fertility specialist before treatment.
follitropin delta interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed, but clinically significant medicine interactions have not been reported and are not expected. Tell the fertility team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
Common questions about follitropin delta
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can I inject follitropin delta myself?
Yes, if the fertility team considers it appropriate and you have been trained. The first injection should be supervised by a doctor or nurse.
How will my response be checked?
The clinic uses regular ultrasound scans, sometimes with blood oestradiol measurements, to assess follicle development and detect an excessive response.
What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?
OHSS is an excessive ovarian response that can cause enlarged ovaries, abdominal pain or swelling, sickness, rapid weight gain, reduced urine and breathing difficulty. Symptoms require prompt clinical assessment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.