What it does
Urofollitropin is a hormone used to help with fertility treatments.
Commonly used for: infertility in women, ovarian stimulation
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Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:37:09 · updated 2026-09-18 04:00:09
About this medicine
Urofollitropin is a hormone used to help with fertility treatments.
What it treats
- infertility in women
- ovarian stimulation
How it works
It helps stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs by increasing certain hormone levels.
Who it's for
This medication is for women who have difficulty getting pregnant and need help with egg production.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Urofollitropin
BNF-referencedUrofollitropin is a purified extract of human post-menopausal urine that contains follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is primarily used in the treatment of female infertility, particularly in women with hypopituitarism or those who have not responded to clomifene. Urofollitropin promotes ovarian follicular growth and is indicated for superovulation during assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization.
Indications
- Infertility in women with proven hypopituitarism
- Superovulation treatment for assisted conception
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for appropriate dosing information.
Adults: Dosage is adjusted according to response, with a maximum of 30 mg per day based on clinical response.
Mechanism of action
Urofollitropin acts by binding to the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, which is a G-protein coupled receptor. This binding activates the PI3K (Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) and Akt signaling pathways, leading to various cellular functions related to growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
Pharmacodynamics
The active ingredient, follicle-stimulating hormone, is crucial for ovarian follicular recruitment and development. Urofollitropin is effective in stimulating ovarian function in women who do not have primary ovarian failure, thereby enhancing fertility potential.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of urofollitropin involve its absorption and distribution after subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The elimination half-life and specific metabolic pathways are not detailed in the provided sources, but its effects are generally monitored through serum hormone levels and patient response.
Contra-indications
- Ovarian cysts (not caused by disease)
- Hypersensitivity to urofollitropin or any of its components
Adverse effects
- Arthralgia
- Fatigue
- Hot flush
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Myalgia
- Skin reactions
- Thromboembolism
- Hyperglycaemia
- Hypertension
- Oedema
- Lipohypertrophy
- Gastrointestinal disorders
Interactions
- Clomifene may enhance the effects of urofollitropin
- Other medications affecting hormonal balance may interact
Precautions
- Caution in patients with acute porphyrias
- Monitor liver function tests
- Evaluate for signs and symptoms of liver injury
- Use carefully in patients with a history of thrombosis
Pregnancy
Avoid use during pregnancy due to potential risk of multiple pregnancies.
Breast-feeding
Avoid use during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Powder and solvent for solution for injection 150 unit
- Powder and solvent for solution for injection 75 unit
- Powder and solvent for solution for injection 1200 unit
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Urofollitropin
PubChem CID 73759969Molecular formula: C42H65N11O12S2
Mechanism of action
FSH binds to the follicle stimulating hormone receptor which is a G-coupled transmembrane receptor. Binding of the FSH to its receptor seems to induce phosphorylation and activation of the PI3K (Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) and Akt signaling pathway, which is known to regulate many other metabolic and related survival/maturation functions in cells.
Pharmacodynamics
Used for the treatment of female infertility, urofollitropin or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates ovarian follicular growth in women who do not have primary ovarian failure. FSH, the active component of urofollitropin is the primary hormone responsible for follicular recruitment and development.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.