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Urofollitropin

GnRH Analogue · Infertility treatment

Also known as uFSH, BRAVELLE, MENOPUR, METRODIN, FOLGEST, FOLICULIN

GnRH AnalogueInfertility treatment
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
Avoid.
FDA category + note

Mechanism

Urofollitropin is a purified extract of human postmenopausal urine containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with virtually no luteinizing hormone (LH) activity. FSH binds to specific G protein-coupled receptors on target cells, leading to increased cAMP production. This mechanism stimulates gametogenesis and follicle development in women.

Indications

Infertility in women with proven hypopituitarism or who have not responded to clomifeneSuperovulation treatment for assisted conception (such as in vitro fertilisation)Induction of ovulation in women with polycystic ovarian diseaseImprove chances of obtaining good quality ova for in vitro fertilizationOvarian stimulationIn vitro fertilizationTo improve chances of obtaining good quality ova for in vitro fertilization

Dosing

Adult
Adjusted according to response, by subcutaneous injection or deep intramuscular injection. Usually administered on a daily basis.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life
2–6 hours
Metabolism
Partly metabolized.
Excretion
Partly metabolized, but mainly excreted unchanged in urine.

Contraindications

  • Ovarian cysts (not caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome)
  • Tumours of breast
  • Tumours of hypothalamus
  • Tumours of ovaries
  • Tumours of pituitary
  • Tumours of uterus
  • Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
  • Acute porphyrias
  • Hormone dependent malignancies (prostate, breast)

Side effects

Common
Breast tendernessConstipationDiarrhoeaGastrointestinal discomfortHeadacheHot flushIncreased risk of infectionMuscle spasmsNauseaOvarian hyperstimulation syndromePainPelvic painRashVaginal dischargeVaginal haemorrhageVomitingEdemaMood changesAllergic reactions
Serious
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation
  • Multiple pregnancy
  • Abortion
  • Precocious puberty (in children)

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Avoid.

Lactation

Avoid.

Drug interactions

Clomiphene Citrate
Moderate
Database

Increased ovarian response, potentially leading to a higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestations.

Concurrent use is often intentional in fertility protocols to enhance follicular development. However, careful monitoring of ovarian response (ultrasound, estradiol levels) is crucial to adjust urofollitropin dosage and prevent OHSS. Dosage of urofollitropin may need to be reduced when used after clomiphene.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (gnrh) Agonists (e.g., Leuprolide, Goserelin)
Moderate
Database

GnRH agonists are often used to downregulate endogenous gonadotropin secretion before initiating urofollitropin. This can lead to a more controlled ovarian stimulation, but the initial response to urofollitropin might be delayed or require higher doses due to pituitary desensitization.

This is a common and intentional sequential therapy in IVF protocols. The urofollitropin dosage and duration of treatment may need to be adjusted based on the patient's response after GnRH agonist downregulation. Close monitoring of ovarian response is essential.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (gnrh) Antagonists (e.g., Cetrorelix, Ganirelix)
Moderate
Database

GnRH antagonists are used to prevent premature LH surges during urofollitropin stimulation. This interaction is intentional and beneficial, but the timing of antagonist administration relative to urofollitropin initiation is critical to optimize outcomes and prevent premature ovulation.

This is a standard and intentional combination in IVF protocols. The timing and dosage of both drugs are carefully orchestrated by fertility specialists. Close monitoring of follicular development and hormone levels is required to determine the optimal time for antagonist initiation and hCG trigger.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hcg)
Moderate
Database

hCG is administered after urofollitropin stimulation to trigger final oocyte maturation and ovulation. This is an intentional and crucial step in fertility treatments. However, inappropriate timing or dosage of hCG can increase the risk of OHSS and multiple gestations, especially if too many follicl

This is a critical and intentional sequential therapy. The decision to administer hCG and its dosage is based on the ovarian response to urofollitropin (number and size of follicles, estradiol levels). Withholding hCG is a key strategy to prevent severe OHSS if the ovarian response is excessive.

Danazol
Mild
Database

Danazol, an androgen, can suppress ovarian function. While not typically co-administered, theoretical antagonism could reduce the effectiveness of urofollitropin if used concurrently, requiring higher doses or prolonged treatment.

Avoid concurrent use if possible. If a patient requires danazol for another condition, consider alternative treatments or be prepared for a potentially blunted response to urofollitropin and adjust dosage accordingly. This interaction is more theoretical as danazol is rarely used in patients undergoing fertility treatment.

1 additional low-confidence interaction hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.

Related guidelines

Other GnRH Analogue drugs

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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team