Skip to main content

Follistim AQ Side Effects

Generic name: follicle stimulating hormone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 13, 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.

Applies to follicle stimulating hormone: subcutaneous powder for solution, subcutaneous solution. Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects of Follistim AQ

Along with its needed effects, follicle stimulating hormone (the active ingredient contained in Follistim AQ) 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

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Follistim AQ

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

Less common

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]

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.