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Overview: Menopur is an injection used as part of fertility treatments to help people get pregnant. It works by signaling the body to grow eggs. Common side effects include cramps, bloating, headache, and pain at the injection site. Serious side effects are less common but may include blood clots and severe ovary problems.

Uses

What is Menopur used for?

Menopur (menotropins) is commonly used to help people get pregnant. It is used as part of fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Menopur may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Menopur work (mechanism of action)?

Menopur is similar to natural hormones. It works by helping your eggs grow and develop, which gets them ready for ovulation.

How is Menopur supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Menopur

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 75 IU vial

How should I store Menopur?

Store unmixed vials of Menopur in the refrigerator or at room temperature, between 37 F and 77 F (3 C and 25 C). Protect from light. After mixing, Menopur should be used right away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Menopur?

The most common side effects of Menopur are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Cramps, fullness, and pain in your abdomen
  • Headache
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or bruising near the injection site
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (see below)

There may be other side effects of Menopur that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 Menopur?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Menopur may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Menopur 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. Menopur can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition can be serious and causes the ovaries to become swollen and painful, and they may leak fluid. Using Menopur may also cause other problems with the ovaries, such as swelling, twisting, or cysts. Stop using Menopur and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Trouble breathing
  • Stomach pain or swelling
  • 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. Menopur 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 Menopur and tell your health care 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 Menopur?

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

  • Menopur
  • Menotropins
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Menopur.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. People with the following health problems should not use Menopur, as it could make these conditions worse.

  • Ovarian failure, which is a condition where your ovaries have stopped working much earlier than usual, so your body no longer makes eggs
  • Problems 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 affect the ovaries, breast, or uterus and depend on hormones to grow

What should I know about Menopur before using it?

Do not use Menopur unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed, and attend all appointments as directed. 

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

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

Keep Menopur 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 health care provider before using Menopur?

Tell your health care 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 Menopur is right for you.

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

Past Use of Fertility Medicines. Using this medicine more than once to get pregnant may raise your risk of developing tumors or cancer in your ovaries. Tell your health care provider if you have used Menopur or other fertility medicines in the past. 

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

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Blood clotting disorders, severe obesity, blood clots, or someone in your family with blood clots
  • Ovary problems
  • Asthma

Multiple Births. Using Menopur raises the chance 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 health care provider before using Menopur. 

Pregnancy. Menopur is commonly used when people are trying to get pregnant. But using it during pregnancy may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Menopur passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Menopur.

How can I get more information about Menopur?

For more information about Menopur, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.menopur.com or call them at 888-337-7464.

Interactions

Does Menopur interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Menopur and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Menopur.

Does Menopur interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Menopur and other medicines. Always tell your health care 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 Menopur?

If you or someone else has used too much Menopur, 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 Menopur?

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