Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa for injection) is a human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) preparation of recombinant DNA origin, which consists of two non-covalently linked, non-identical glycoproteins designated as the ?- and ?-subunits. The ?- and ?-subunits have 92 and 111 amino acids, respectively, and their primary and tertiary structure are indistinguishable from those of human follicle stimulating hormone. Recombinant FSH production occurs in genetically modified Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells cultured in bioreactors. Purification by immunochromatography using an antibody specifically binding FSH results in a highly purified preparation with a consistent FSH isoform profile, and a high specific activity. The biological activity of follitropin alfa is determined by measuring the increase in ovary weight in female rats. The in vivo biological activity of follitropin alfa has been calibrated against the first International Standard for recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone established in 1995 by the Expert Committee on Biological Standards of the World Health Organization. Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa injection) contains no luteinizing hormone (LH) activity. Based on available data derived from physico-chemical tests and bioassays, follitropin alfa and follitropin beta, another recombinant follicle stimulating hormone product, are indistinguishable.

Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa injection) is a sterile, lyophilized powder intended for subcutaneous injection after reconstitution.

Each Gonal-f® RFF single-dose vial is filled with 82 IU (6 µg)follitropin alfa to deliver 75 IU (5.5 µg) follitropin alfa and contains 30 mg sucrose, 1.11 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, 0.45 mg monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate, 0.1 mg methionine, and 0.05 mg polysorbate 20. Phosphoric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be used prior to lyophilization for pH adjustment. Vials are reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, USP.

Under current storage conditions, Gonal-f® RFF may contain up to 10% of oxidized follitropin alfa.

Therapeutic Class: Infertility

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual bleeding from the vagina/uterus, pain/redness/swelling of the calf muscles, cold/numb/pale skin of the arms/legs/hands/feet, swelling of ankles/hands/feet.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision changes, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath.

This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during treatment and after treatment has been stopped. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, severe nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, difficult/painful breathing, change in the amount of urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: other fertility problems (e.g., primary ovarian failure), abnormal bleeding from the vagina/uterus, thyroid problems, adrenal gland problems, cancer of the reproductive organs (e.g., breast, uterus, ovary), tumor in the brain (e.g., pituitary tumor), ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries (not due to polycystic ovary syndrome).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood clots, polycystic ovarian syndrome, stroke, certain heart diseases (e.g., angina, heart attack), lung problems (e.g., asthma).

Multiple births may occur as a result of this treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits of having such a pregnancy with your doctor.

Stop using this medication when you become pregnant. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible harm to a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.