6 mins read

Overview: Follistim AQ is used as part of fertility treatments to help people get pregnant. It works by signaling the body to grow or release eggs or make sperm. Common side effects include stomach pain, reactions at the injection site, and headache. Though serious side effects are less common, they may include blood clots and ovary problems.

Uses

What is Follistim AQ used for?

Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) is commonly used as a fertility treatment in the following situations.

  • To help people get pregnant who are having fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • To help induce ovulation, which is when the ovaries release eggs
  • To help produce sperm in people assigned male at birth who have certain fertility problems

Follistim AQ may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Follistim AQ work (mechanism of action)?

Follistim AQ is similar to a natural hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It signals the body to prepare eggs or sperm. Follistim AQ helps eggs grow and develop, which gets them ready for ovulation. Follistim AQ also helps to signal the production of sperm.

How is Follistim AQ supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Follistim AQ

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 300 IU/0.36 mL injection, cartridge
  • 600 IU/0.72 mL injection, cartridge
  • 900 IU/1.08 mL injection, cartridge

How should I store Follistim AQ?

Store Follistim AQ in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) until the labeled expiration date. You also have the option to store Follistim AQ at room temperature, up to 77 F (25 C), for up to three months or until the labeled expiration date. After you open Follistim AQ, it must be used within 28 days or discarded. Keep Follistim AQ in its original box to protect it from light. Avoid freezing it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Follistim AQ?

The most common side effects of Follistim AQ are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the specific condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (see below)
  • A fluid-filled sac (cyst) that forms on or in the ovaries or testicles
  • Stomach pain or swelling
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness
  • Acne
  • Pain, itching, bruising, or swelling at the injection site
  • Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
  • Rash

There may be other side effects of Follistim AQ that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Follistim AQ?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Follistim AQ are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Follistim AQ may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Follistim AQ and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Follistim AQ can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in people who have ovaries. This condition can be serious and causes the ovaries to become swollen and painful, and they may leak fluid. Using Follistim AQ may also cause other problems with the ovaries, such as swelling, twisting, or cysts. This can sometimes result in serious breathing problems. Stop using Follistim AQ and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Stomach pain or swelling
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Less urine (pee) than usual 
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Pain in the lower back or pelvis that may be sharp and sudden
  • Fast breathing or heart rate

Blood Clots. Follistim AQ may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Stop using Follistim AQ and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Trouble breathing
  • Feeling lightheaded or faint
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Follistim AQ?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Follistim AQ.

  • Follistim AQ
  • Follitropin beta
  • Antibiotics called streptomycin or neomycin
  • Any other medicine known as an FSH product
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Follistim AQ.

Pregnancy. Do not use Follistim AQ if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. People with the following health problems should not use Follistim AQ.

  • High level of FSH in your blood
  • Problem with hormone glands, such as your thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal glands, that is not controlled with medicine
  • Certain types of brain tumors
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding without a known cause
  • Ovarian cysts not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, or enlarged ovaries without a known cause
  • Tumors that depend on hormones to grow and affect the reproductive system

What should I know about Follistim AQ before using it?

Do not use Follistim AQ unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed and attend all appointments, including lab tests, as directed.

Do not share Follistim AQ with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Follistim AQ is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Follistim AQ. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Keep Follistim AQ out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Follistim AQ?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Follistim AQ is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Ovary problems or surgery on your stomach area
  • Blood clotting disorders, severe obesity, blood clots, or someone in your family with blood clots

Multiple Births. Using Follistim AQ to help you get pregnant raises the chances of becoming pregnant with more than one baby, especially twins. This can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Discuss and consider these risks with your healthcare provider before using Follistim AQ. 

Pregnancy. Follistim AQ is commonly used when people are trying to get pregnant. But using it during pregnancy may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Follistim AQ passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Follistim AQ.

How can I get more information about Follistim AQ?

For more information about Follistim AQ, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.follistim.com or call them at 844-674-3200.

Interactions

Does Follistim AQ interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Follistim AQ and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Follistim AQ.

Does Follistim AQ interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Follistim AQ and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Follistim AQ?

If you or someone else has used too much Follistim AQ, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Follistim AQ?

Follistim AQ is meant to be used only as instructed for your treatment. Use it as your healthcare provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses. If you miss a dose, call your healthcare provider right away to learn what to do.