AlternativeGonal-f / Puregon

Recombinant FSH (follitropin α/β)

Gonadotropin — recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone

Controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF and clomifene-resistant PCOS.

SC

First-line for

  • IVF ovarian stimulation
  • Anovulation resistant to clomifene/letrozole

Mechanism

Direct FSH receptor agonism → multi-follicular recruitment.

"FSH → follicles → OHSS risk"

  • Daily SC injection
  • USS + oestradiol monitoring
  • Trigger with hCG or GnRH agonist

Dosing

Start
75–150 IU SC daily — individualised by AMH/AFC

Contraindications

  • AbsolutePregnancy, ovarian cysts (non-PCOS), hormone-dependent tumours, undiagnosed bleeding

Side effects

  • OHSS — mild to life-threatening
  • Multiple pregnancy
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Thromboembolism (with severe OHSS)

Fetal & maternal notes

  • Not used once pregnancy achieved

Key interactions

  • GnRH analogues

    OK

    Standard co-treatment in IVF protocols

  • Clomifene

    Avoid

    Additive OHSS risk — avoid combined

Clinical pearls

  • 💡 Use GnRH-agonist trigger in high-responders to reduce OHSS
  • 💡 Freeze-all strategy if OHSS threatens

Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)

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For educational use only

Not medical advice. Verify dosing against the BNF and your local trust guidelines before prescribing.