Follistim AQ Cartridge Side Effects
Generic name: follicle stimulating hormone
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 23, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about follicle stimulating hormone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Follistim AQ Cartridge.
Applies to follicle stimulating hormone: subcutaneous solution. Other dosage forms:
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, follicle stimulating hormone (the active ingredient contained in Follistim AQ Cartridge) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking follicle stimulating hormone:
More common
- Bloating
- diarrhea
- severe nausea or vomiting
- severe stomach pain
- stomach or pelvic discomfort, aching, or heaviness
- weight gain that is rapid
Less common
- Heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding
- redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- Difficulty with breathing
- pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
- severe, sudden headache
- slurred speech
- sudden loss of coordination
- sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
- trouble breathing
- vision changes
Other side effects
Some side effects of follicle stimulating hormone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Blemishes on the skin
- headache
- pimples
Less common
- Body aches or pain
- chills
- difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- dizziness
- dry skin
- fast or racing heart
- fever
- hair loss
- hives
- quick or shallow breathing
- rash
- swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
Incidence not known
- Breast tenderness
- normal menstrual bleeding occurring earlier, possibly lasting longer than expected
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to follicle stimulating hormone: injectable powder for injection, injectable solution, subcutaneous powder for injection, subcutaneous solution.
General
The most common adverse events were headache, ovarian cysts and local injection site reactions (e.g. pain, erythema, hematoma, swelling and/or irritation at the site of injection).[Ref]
Genitourinary
Very common (10% or more): Multiple births (up to 35.1%), ovarian cysts, mild to moderate ovarian enlargement
Common (1% to 10%): Mild or moderate OHSS (including symptomatology), intermenstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, ovarian hyperstimulation, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, gynecomastia (males), varicocele, epididymal cyst, vaginal hemorrhage, pelvic pain
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Severe OHSS (including symptomatology), breast complaints, metrorrhagia, ovarian cyst, ovarian enlargement, ovarian torsion, uterine enlargement, vaginal hemorrhage
Rare (less than 0.1%): Complications of severe OHSS, adnexal torsion associated with ovarian enlargement
Frequency not reported: Ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple gestations
Postmarketing reports: Breast tenderness[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (up to 23.2%), abdomen enlarged (13.9%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal distension, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain lower, flatulence
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Swollen abdomen[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 26.5%), dizziness
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue[Ref]
Local
Very common (10% or more): Injection site reactions (e.g. pain, erythema, hematoma, swelling and/or irritation at the site of injection)[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Acne, rash, dermoid cyst
Frequency not reported: Bruising, swelling, erythema, urticaria, pruritus[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Weight gain[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Generalized hypersensitivity reaction
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Mild to severe hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and shock[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Thromboembolism, usually associated with severe OHSS[Ref]
Other
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pain, influenza-like symptoms[Ref]
Respiratory
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Exacerbation or aggravation of asthma[Ref]
More about Follistim AQ Cartridge (follicle stimulating hormone)
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: gonadotropins
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Patient resources
Other brands
Gonal-f, Follistim AQ, Gonal-f RFF, Gonal-f RFF Redi-ject
Professional resources
Other brands
Gonal-f, Follistim AQ, Gonal-f RFF
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Follistim (follicle stimulating hormone). Organon. 2002.
2. Product Information. Gonal-F (follicle stimulating hormone). Serono Laboratories Inc. 2002.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.