What is the Best Fertility Drug to Get Pregnant? IVF Meds Explained
If you’re anywhere in between trying to conceive to prepping for IVF treatment, you’ll probably have seen lots of chatter about all sorts of different fertility drugs online – each with varying names, usages and recommendations.
But out of all these, what is the best fertility drug to ask about, if you’re trying to get pregnant? The short answer is – it almost always depends on your unique fertility profile and the treatment plan you’re following.
To dive a little deeper, we’re back partnering with the expert team at FastIVF to run through some of the most prescribed fertility drugs for IVF out there, and how you can make this commonly used fertility medication affordable, straightforward, and stress-free.
Need to order IVF meds online, fast? FastIVF deliver affordable, brand-name fertility medications direct to your doorstep, saving you up to 60% on medication costs on average.
Now, over to Alara, an experienced pharmacist at FastIVF, for the deep dive.
Before you get reading…
Contents
- The most commonly used fertility drugs, unpacked
- When might you be prescribed Gonal-F® and Menopur®?
- How are Gonal-F® and Menopur® administered?
- What can you expect while taking Gonal-F® and Menopur®, are there any side effects?
- Can Gonal-F® and Menopur® be combined, or used with other fertility drugs or treatments?
- Getting started, with FastIVF
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The most commonly used fertility drugs, unpacked
In terms of IVF, FSH and hMG are the two most commonly prescribed fertility drugs for supporting ovulation and pregnancy.
Known as gonadotropins, the most commonly prescribed brand names for FSH are Gonal-F®, and also Follistim®, while the most commonly prescribed brand names for hMG are Menopur® and Meriofert®.
In a few words…
- FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is naturally produced in our bodies. Medications such as Gonal-F® and Follistim® are used to promote the growth of multiple follicles and are often combined with other medications such as hMG.
- hMG: Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) is a combination of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which is also naturally produced by our bodies. This is used to help the follicles mature so that they can be used for fertilisation following an egg retrieval. Menopur® and Meriofert® are the most commonly prescribed brand names for this.
Other commonly prescribed medications include Clomiphene and Letrozole which are used for treatments like ovulation with insemination, or timed intercourse.
For those who are starting out on their fertility journey, this may be the first course of treatment, before considering IVF.
When might you be prescribed Gonal-F® and Menopur®?
Although FSH and hMG are the most commonly prescribed medications for IVF treatment, we do want to emphasise that each treatment protocol is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
Before starting treatment, the doctor will typically do baseline testing which is done during cycle days 2-5 to get a better understanding of how your hormone levels are.
With this information, they’ll be able to plan the best treatment protocol for your fertility profile.
Depending on your age and medical history, the doctor may also order more tests to get a better idea of your ovarian reserve.
How are Gonal-F® and Menopur® administered?
Gonal-F® and Menopur® are usually instructed to inject subcutaneously in the lower abdominal region near the belly button.
Something to keep in mind when injecting is using the right needle for this type of injection. Pharmacies and providers will sometimes dispense a mixing needle for medications like hMG which is typically longer and of a different gauge so injecting with the mixing needle can be painful – ouch!
To avoid this, staying organised and keeping mixing and injecting needles separate is crucial. The needles are often different colours as well so this can be another way to remember to switch out needles!
Do check out our popular IVF injections tips and FAQ, for more on injecting and administering fertility meds.
How to store your FSH and hMG meds
Gonal-F® FSH pens should be refrigerated, and we advise patients to store them in the door of the fridge to avoid potential freezing of the medication. They must be used or discarded within 28 days after first use. Do not use leftover medication from a used pen if it has been greater than that timeframe.
hMG meds like Menopur® should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Single-use vials are to be used immediately, and multi-dose vials can be used for up to 28 days after first use.
What can you expect while taking Gonal-F® and Menopur®, are there any side effects?
The most common side effects of FSH and hMG meds like Gonal-F® and Menopur® are feeling bloated and heavy, or full. Other side effects can include tiredness, redness and bruising at the injection site, and breast tenderness.
Weight gain and constipation are also common side effects so we recommend staying hydrated during treatment to help combat these symptoms! Also, as you get closer to your egg retrieval, some of these side effects might intensify, which is normal.
To help mitigate some of these symptoms, we recommend a high-protein diet to help offset the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). You could also try heat pads to help ease any discomfort in your lower abdominal region.
If you’re already taking Gonal-F® and Menopur® and are experiencing any concerning side effects, always consult your provider.
Can Gonal-F® and Menopur® be combined, or used with other fertility drugs or treatments?
Yes, many providers will combine FSH and hMG meds like Gonal-F® and Menopur® together – in fact, it’s the most popular combination we see!
Other medications that we see that are often combined in these treatments are Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Antagonists.
These medications are often used about halfway through ovarian stimulation cycles and are used to prevent premature ovulation.
The brand names for these medications are Cetrotide® and Ganirelix®.
Getting started, with FastIVF
Head to FastIVF, upload your prescription and place your order.
We provide medications at a significantly lower price compared to United States pharmacies, offering affordable alternative options when possible and assisting with insurance reimbursement for those who qualify.
We are also the only international pharmacy that does cool shipping to help prolong the shelf life of your medications, and shipping times are 3-5 business days or even sooner, depending on your mail carrier.