Videos & Instruction
Click below to find information and instructional videos on administering frequently used medications. While these videos are here for your reference, you should always listen to the specific instructions from your healthcare provider.
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Stimulation Medications |
Trigger Stimulations |
GnRH Products |
Progesterone |
Other Helpful Videos |
Follitropin Alpha
How to use video for Follitropin Alpha Pen
- Depending on the dosage prescribed by your doctor, it comes in strengths of 300 IU, 450 IU, or 900 IU.
- How It Works
- It is a gonadotropin containing the active substance, Follitropin Alpha, that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
- Instruction Video for using Follitropin Alpha Pen
- Description
- FSH preparation is made by recombinant DNA technology.
- Gonal-F Pen is a disposable, premixed, pre-filled pen-like medication delivery system.
- Storage
- Before first use: Store refrigerated (36- 46°F) until expiration date or at room temperature (68-77°F) for up to 3 months or until expiration, whichever occurs first.
- After initial use: Store at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 28 days.
- Protect from light. Do not freeze.
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include some local discomfort, bruising and soreness at the injection site. Changes in mood, abdominal discomfort, bloating and cramping, ovarian cysts, breast pain, back pain, constipation and headache are other possible minor side effects. Multiple births occur in about 20-25% of pregnancies, of which 70% are twins. Excessive enlargement of the ovaries, called ovarian hyper-stimulation (OHSS) may occur. Symptoms of OHSS include excessive fluid retention and severe abdominal discomfort.
How to use video for Follitropin Alpha Multi-Vial
- Depending on the dosage prescribed by your doctor, it comes in strengths of 450 IU Multi-Vial or 1050 IU Multi-Vial.
- How It Works
- It is a gonadotropin containing the active substance, Follitropin Alpha, that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
- Instruction Video for using Gonal-F Multi-Vial
- Description
- FSH preparation is made by recombinant DNA technology.
- Each vial contains powdered medication with pre-filled syringes of diluent.
- Multi-dose vials are specifically marked syringes to draw up the correct dose of medication and inject subcutaneously.
- Storage
- Before reconstitution/mixing: Store at room temperature or refrigerated (36-77°F) until expiration date.
- After reconstitution/mixing: Store at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 28 days.
- Do not store drug in syringe. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include some local discomfort, bruising and soreness at the injection site. Changes in mood, abdominal discomfort, bloating and cramping, ovarian cysts, breast pain, back pain, constipation and headache are other possible minor side effects. Multiple births occur in about 20-25% of pregnancies, of which 70% are twins. Excessive enlargement of the ovaries, called ovarian hyper-stimulation (OHSS) may occur. Symptoms of OHSS include excessive fluid retention and severe abdominal discomfort.
Puregon
- Depending on the dosage prescribed by your doctor, it may come in strengths of 300 IU, 600 IU, or 900 IU cartridges.
- How It Works
- Puregon contains the active substance, Follitropin Beta, and it contains human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH), a glycoprotein hormone which is manufactured by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology.
- It is administered as a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. It acts like naturally produced follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by stimulating a follicle (egg) to develop and mature in the ovary. It is also used to stimulate the development of multiple eggs for assisted reproductive technologies.
- Description
- Puregon cartridges are packed in 300 IU, 600 IU and 900 IU cartridges, and it is presented as a sterile aqueous solution.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated until the expiration date or at room temperature (77°F) for 3 months or until expiration date, whichever occurs first.
- Once the cartridge has been pierced by a needle, it can be stored for a maximum of 28 days refrigerated or at room temperature (36-77°F).
- Protect from light. Do not freeze
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include some local discomfort, bruising and soreness at the injection site.
- Changes in mood, abdominal discomfort, bloating and cramping, ovarian cysts, breast pain, back pain, constipation and headache are other possible minor side effects.
- Multiple births occur in about 20-25% of pregnancies of which 70% are twins.
- Excessive enlargement of the ovaries, called ovarian hyper-stimulation (OHSS) may occur. Symptoms of OHSS include excessive fluid retention and severe abdominal discomfort.
FSH/Urofollitropin
- Depending on the dosage prescribed by your doctor, it may come in strengths of 75 IU or 150 IU.
How to use video for Fostimon
Instruction Video for using Fostimon
Menotropins (hMG)
- How It Works
- Menopur is a gonadotropin that contains a combination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
How to use video for Menopur
Instruction Video for using Menopur 75 IU
Demonstrated by Anna Hosford, RGN, Clinic Director at Barbados Fertility Centre
- Description
- Menopur is a highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) injectable.
- Each vial contains 75 IU (International Units) of powdered medication to be mixed with diluent.
- Storage
- Store at room temperature or refrigerated (37-77°F).
- Protect from light. Use immediately after reconstitution/mixing. Discard unused material.
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include some local discomfort, bruising and soreness at the injection site. Changes in mood, headache, abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating and cramping are other possible minor side effects. Multiple births occur in about 20-25% of pregnancies of which 70% are twins. Excessive enlargement of the ovaries, called ovarian hyper-stimulation (OHSS) may occur. Symptoms of OHSS include excessive fluid retention and severe abdominal discomfort.
Merional
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- Merional is a gonadotropin that contains a combination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
- Instruction Video for using Merional 75 IU
How to use video for Merional
- Description
- Merional is a highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) injectable.
- Each vial contains 75 IU (International Units) of powdered medication to be mixed with diluent.
- Storage
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Keep the vial in the packet in order to protect it.
- Merional cannot be made up in advance. It should be given as soon as it has been prepared.
- Do not use after the expiry date.
- Potential Side Effects
- Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Some women using this medicine develop a condition called ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first treatment. OHSS can be a life threatening condition. Stop using Merional, do not have sexual intercourse, and call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of OHSS:
- stomach pain, bloating; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection; little or no urinating; or pain when you breathe, rapid heart rate, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down).
- Call your doctor at once if you have: chest pain, dry cough, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down); signs of a stroke – sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; signs of a blood clot in the lung – chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or signs of a blood clot in your leg – pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
- Common side effects may include: stomach cramps or bloating; headache; or pain, swelling, or warmth where the medicine was injected.
Menogon
- How It Works
- Menogon is a gonadotropin that contains a combination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
- Instruction Video for using Menogon 75 IU
How to use video for Menogon
- Description
- Menogon is a highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) injectable.
- Each vial contains 75 IU (International Units) of powdered medication to be mixed with diluent.
- Storage
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Store and protect from light.
- Do not use after the expiry date.
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include some bloating, stomach pain, pain in the lower abdomen, infections, nausea or vomiting, rapid weight gain, allergic skin reaction, irritability, enlargement of breasts, headache, sleeplessness, pain at the injection site, unexpected vaginal bleeding, unusual tiredness and weakness.
Lucrin (Lupron) 2-Week Kit
- How It Works
- Lupron contains the active substance, Leuprolide Acetate, and it is used to reduce the amount of estrogen and testosterone in the body.
- This decrease in estrogen production will prevent ovulation and may stop menstrual periods.
- Lupron contains the active substance, Leuprolide Acetate, and it is used to reduce the amount of estrogen and testosterone in the body.
How to use video for Lucrin (Lupron) 2-Week Kit
- Instruction Video for using Lucrin (Lupron)
- Description
- Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron) is related to a naturally occurring hormone called gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). It is a GnRH agonist.
- It has also been used to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids, early puberty, and as part of the process to stimulate multiple eggs for assisted reproductive technologies.
- It may also be used to “trigger” the final maturation of the eggs during a GnRH antagonist IVF cycle.
- When used in this way, it releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary, which luteinizes the mature eggs in the ovarian follicles in preparation for the egg retrieval procedure.
- It is dispensed as a vial.
- Storage
- Store at room temperature (below 77°F).
- Once vial is pierced, it must be used within 28 days.
- Do not freeze. Protect from light.
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects that may occur include:
- hot flashes, sweating, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, insomnia, headaches, and injection site reaction (redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site).
- If you experience an allergic reaction – difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue or face; or hives; seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- And if at any time you experience bone pain, difficulty urinating, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs, contact your physician immediately.
- PLEASE NOTE: If these or any other side effects occur, contact your physician.
- Side effects that may occur include:
Progesterone
Crinone 8% Vaginal Gel
Progestan Capsule Suppositories
- Description
- Progestan contains micronized progesterone powder compounds progesterone suppositories. The pharmacists commonly prepare progesterone suppositories in strengths of 100 mg and 200 mg suppositories.
- Progestan contains oral gel capsules that may be inserted vaginally.
- How It Works
- Progesterone is used during the luteal phase of the cycle if the body’s own natural progesterone is not deficient. Progesterone prepares the uterus to allow a fertilized egg for implantation. Once a fertilized egg is implanted, progesterone acts to maintain the pregnancy.
- Storage
- Store at room temperature; excursions permitted to 59-86°F. Protect from excessive moisture.
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include vaginal discharge with any vaginal progesterone use. Other minor side effects could include a possible delay in the onset of your period, breast swelling and breast tenderness.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropins (hCG)
Choriomon 5000 IU
- How It Works
- Choriomon contains the active substance, human chorionic gonadotropin, and it is used to trigger ovulation.
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It suppresses luteinizing hormone response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone.
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- Choriomon contains the active substance, human chorionic gonadotropin, and it is used to trigger ovulation.
How to use video for Choriomon 5000 IU
- Instruction Video for using Choriomon
- Description
- Choriomon is a highly purified human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injectable.
- Storage
- Store unmixed hCG powder at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat. After mixing the hCG, you must keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready for your injection.
- Once reconstituted, keep this medicine in a refrigerator below 41°F (5°C).
- Throw away any mixed medicine that you have not used within 30 days after mixing.
- Protect from light. Do not freeze.
- Potential Side Effects
- Changes in emotions or mood, headache; pain, irritation or inflammation at the injection site; fatigue. This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your health care provider immediately if you are experiencing any signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Other side effects may include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, passing small amounts of urine, shortness of breath, stomach area or pelvic pain or bloating, swelling, and/or rapid weight gain.
Pregnyl 5000 IU
- How It Works
- Pregnyl contains the active substance, human chorionic gonadotropin, and it is used to trigger ovulation.
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It suppresses luteinizing hormone response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone.
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- Pregnyl contains the active substance, human chorionic gonadotropin, and it is used to trigger ovulation.
How to use video for Pregnyl
- Description
- Pregnyl is a highly purified human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injectable.
- Storage
- Store at controlled room temperature 15–30°C (59–86°F). Reconstituted solution is stable for 60 days when refrigerated.
- Protect from light. Do not freeze.
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include headache, restlessness, tiredness, or pain at the injection site. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of the ankles/feet, or mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, irritability).
Cetrotide
- How It Works
- Cetrotide contains the active substance, Cetrorelix, and it blocks the hormone (gonadotropin-releasing hormone-GnRH) that causes eggs to be released from the ovaries. It also stops the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) to prevent premature ovulation during controlled ovarian stimulation.
How to use video for Cetrotide
Demonstrated by Anna Hosford, RGN, Clinic Director at Barbados Fertility Centre
- Description
- Cetrotide is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneously) of the lower abdomen.
- Storage
- Store Cetrotide 0.25 mg refrigerated, 36-46ºF (2-8ºC).
- Store the packaged tray in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Do not freeze.
- Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include mild and short lasting reactions may occur at the injection site such as: reddening, itching, and swelling. Nausea and headache have also been reported. Call your doctor if you have any side effect not mentioned or if you are unsure about the effect of this medicine.
Ganirelix
- How It Works
- Ganirelix is an injectable medication administered subcutaneously.
- It works immediately by suppressing LH and FSH secretion. This allows for eggs to reach the level of development needed for fertilization
How to use video for Ganirelix
- Description
- Ganirelix is a GnRH antagonist, which blocks GnRH receptors on the pituitary gonadotropin pathway. It induces a rapid, reversible suppression of gonadotropin secretion.
- Each package of Ganirelix Acetate contains a pre-mixed, pre-filled syringe ready for subcutaneous injection
- Storage
- Store at room temperature (77°F); excursions permitted to (59-86°F).
- Protect from light.
- Potential Side Effects
- Some women may experience headache, abdominal pain and nausea.
Ovidrel
- How It Works
- Ovidrel is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
- Ovidrel is used to induce ovulation (the release of an egg/eggs from the ovary) after patient monitoring indicates that sufficient follicle(s) growth has occurred.
How to use video for Ovidrel
- Description
- Ovidrel contains the active substance, choriogonadotropin alpha.
- It is a recombinant chorionic gonadotropin (r-HCG) for the treatment of anovulation, the most common cause of infertility in women.
- It is administered after the stimulation of follicle growth.
- It is used to trigger ovulation in women with anovulation and to promote final maturation of eggs in the ovaries of women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.
- The premixed, prefilled syringe contains 250 mcg of r-HCG in a 0.5 ml solution.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated (36-46°F) until expiration date or at room temperature (68-77°F) for not more than 30 days.
- Protect from light. Do not freeze.
- Potential Side Effects
- Though rare, it is possible to have some discomfort at the injection site as well as some mood changes.