Drug reference

lutropin

Recombinant human luteinising hormone (gonadotropin) · Infertility treatment

START

75 IU SC once daily (with FSH 75–225 IU SC)

TYPICAL MAX

Per follicular response (typically 75 IU SC daily)

STOP IF

OHSS signs (abdominal distension, dyspnoea, weight gain), pregnancy

WATCH

Follicular tracking, oestradiol levels, OHSS surveillance

CDSCO approvedATC G03GA07

Renal dose adjustmenteGFR mL/min/1.73m²

KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label

Pharmacokineticsplasma · t hours

ONSET: 4h · SC absorption
PEAK: 10h · Cmax
t½: 14h · t½
DURATION: 1d · once-daily

EXCRETION

Proteolytic / renal clearance

route + CYP

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Contraindicated (stop on pregnancy confirmation).

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Recombinant human LH (lutropin alfa) binds LH/CG receptors on ovarian theca cells (and Leydig cells) — supports androgen / oestradiol biosynthesis and follicular maturation; co-administered with FSH for severe LH/FSH deficiency in ART.

Indications

Stimulation of follicular development with FSH in women with severe LH/FSH deficiency

Dosing

Adult: 75 IU SC once daily with 75–225 IU SC FSH (e.g., follitropin); titrate per follicular response.
Pediatric: Not applicable.
Renal adjustment: Limited data; standard ART dosing.
Hepatic adjustment: Limited data; standard ART dosing.
Geriatric: Not applicable.
Max dose: Per ART protocol — typically 75 IU SC daily

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Ovarian effect over days

Peak effect

~10 h (SC Cmax)

Duration

Effect days; ovarian follicle-maturation over the ART cycle

Half-life

~10–18 h

Bioavailability

~56% (SC)

Protein binding

Not applicable (glycoprotein hormone)

Metabolism

Proteolytic catabolism

Excretion

Renal/proteolytic clearance

Contraindications

Tumours of pituitary / hypothalamus / ovary / breast
Vaginal bleeding of unknown aetiology
Ovarian cysts (unrelated to PCOS)
Pregnancy
Hypersensitivity

Side effects

Common

Injection-site reactionsHeadacheAbdominal painOvarian cysts

Serious

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Multiple pregnancy (if conception)
Severe hypersensitivity (rare)

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Contraindicated (stop on pregnancy confirmation).

Lactation

Not applicable (ovulation induction).

Drug interactions

Anticoagulants

Mild

Database

OHSS-related thrombosis risk

Anticipate VTE prophylaxis if OHSS develops