Menopur (Menotrophin)

Menopur is a gonadotropin used in fertility treatment to stimulate ovarian function.

• Assisted reproductive technology (ART): provides combined FSH and LH activity to promote multiple follicle growth, enhancing egg retrieval and pregnancy success rates.
• Anovulatory infertility: stimulates follicular maturation and triggers ovulation in women who fail to ovulate naturally, facilitating timed intercourse or intra‑uterine insemination.
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: replaces deficient gonadotropins to initiate and maintain ovulatory cycles, enabling conception.

• Menotropin contains both follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activities. After subcutaneous injection, the molecules bind to FSH and LH receptors on ovarian granulosa and theca cells, respectively. This activation stimulates follicular recruitment, growth, and estradiol production, and ultimately triggers the LH surge that leads to ovulation. The combined activity mimics the natural pituitary gonadotropin surge required for successful oocyte maturation.

Menopur may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are related to its hormonal activity and injection site.

Common Side Effects

• Injection site pain or erythema: mild discomfort at the injection site.
• Abdominal bloating or discomfort: transient abdominal fullness.
• Nausea or headache: mild gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms.
• Mild ovarian hyperstimulation: increased follicle size without severe complications.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): severe fluid shift, abdominal pain, and possible hospitalization.
• Multiple pregnancy: higher risk of twins or higher‑order gestations.
• Severe allergic reaction: anaphylaxis, rash, or angioedema requiring emergency care.
• Thromboembolic events: rare blood clots that may be life‑threatening.
• Ectopic pregnancy: rare but serious implantation outside the uterus.

When using Menopur, careful monitoring and specific precautions are essential to minimize risks.

• Monitor ovarian response: perform ultrasound and estradiol measurements to adjust dose.
• Assess for OHSS: watch for abdominal distension, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath.
• Use lowest effective dose: individualize dosing to reduce risk of overstimulation.
• Avoid use in pregnancy: the drug is intended for pre‑conception stimulation only.
• Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reactions occur.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Menopur can interact with other medications that affect hormonal balance or increase the risk of complications.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent use of other gonadotropins: may amplify ovarian response and raise OHSS risk.
• Estrogen‑containing therapies: can alter follicular development and reduce efficacy.
• Anticoagulants: increased bleeding risk during oocyte retrieval procedures.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: may mask pain symptoms associated with OHSS.
• Antihistamines: could diminish signs of an allergic reaction.
• Corticosteroids: may affect hormone metabolism and ovarian response.