Gonal-f Side Effects

Generic name: follicle stimulating hormone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Gonal-f Side Effects associated with follicle stimulating hormone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Gonal-f.

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

Other dosage forms:

• subcutaneous solution

Serious side effects of Gonal-f

Along with its needed effects, follicle stimulating hormone (the active ingredient contained in Gonal-f) 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 side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• anxiety
• backache
• belching
• bloating
• chest pain or tightness
• confusion
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty in speaking
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• double vision
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fast, weak pulse
• full feeling
• headache
• heartburn
• inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• noisy breathing
• passing gas
• pelvic pain, discomfort, aching, or heaviness
• rapid weight gain
• severe nausea
• slow speech
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain, or swelling
• sudden increase in stomach or shoulder pain
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unusual or large amount of vaginal bleeding
• uterine bleeding between menstrual periods
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• hives, itching, skin rash
• pain the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• slurred speech
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vision changes

Other side effects of Gonal-f

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 side effects

• acne
• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• dandruff
• oily skin
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

Less common side effects

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

For healthcare professionals

Applies to follicle stimulating hormone: injectable powder for injection, injectable solution, subcutaneous powder for injection, subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

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]

Further information

Gonal-f side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer