How to Use Follistim

Follistim is used to encourage pregnancy.

Follistim is a fertility medication that contains a follicle-stimulating hormone (a hormone that helps eggs develop in the ovaries). Follistim may be used to help stimulate ovulation and encourage pregnancy. Before using Follistim, consult with your physician regarding the proper application and dosage.

Things You'll Need

• Follistim pen
• AQ cartridge (medication)
• BD Micro-Fine pen needle
• Alcohol pad
• Soap
• Safety container
• Hand towel
• Gauze

Instructions

1. 

   Wash your hands before handling medical supplies.

   Wash your hands thoroughly. Gather your supplies and put together your injection pen.

2. Remove the cap from your pen and place the cap on a clean surface or hand towel. Remove the entire pen body from the cartridge holder.

3. Remove a cartridge from its holder and clean the rubber stopper of the cartridge with an alcohol pad.

4. Slide the cartridge into the cartridge holder, ensuring that the metal end goes in first. Screw the pen together. Line up the arrows on the pen.

5. Clean the open end of your pen with an alcohol pad. Remove the protective layer around the outer needle shield. Click together the end of your cartridge holder and the outer needle shield.

6. Use an alcohol pad to wipe the injection site. Let your skin dry. Set your dosage on the pen dial. The dosage should be predetermined by your physician.

7. Watch for a droplet of medication to flow from the needle tip. If you don't see a droplet, dial your dosage knob again until your hear a click.

8. 

   Use gauze to blot up blood.

   Pinch the injection site between your thumb and forefinger. Use your other hand to administer the injection. After the injection, apply pressure to the site and use gauze to wipe up excess blood.

Tips & Warnings

• If you store your medication in the refrigerator, warm the medication to room temperature prior to application.

• Keep a daily journal of your injections.

• If you miss a dose, alert your physician to establish a new dosage.

• Use of this product may result in a multiple pregnancy.

• The best injections sites are your upper thigh or abdomen.

• Use the medication at the same time each day.

• Do not attempt to inject yourself with the pen until you understand your physician's instructions.

• Do not use this medication if you suffer from primary ovarian failure (your ovaries no longer function).

• Never change the dosage of your Follistim pen, unless instructed by your physician.

• Don't use this medication if you have tumors, irregular vaginal bleeding or if you think you may be pregnant.

• If particles develop in your cartridge, do not use the medication.

• Immediately notify your physician if you experience nausea, vomiting or pelvic pain after using the pen.

References

• Follistim Pen: First Steps
• Follistim Beta Injection: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Rx List: Follistim Drug Description