|
What is Luveris
 Luveris
is a hormone used to support Follicle Stimulating Hormone
(FSH) therapy.
Luveris
is used with follitropin alfa (Gonal-F) to stimulate a follicle(egg)
to develop and mature. The therapy used when a woman desires
pregnancy and her ovaries can produce a follicle but hormonal
stimulation is not sufficient to make the follicle mature.
Luveris
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Luveris
Treatment with Luveris increases the likelihood of
multiple births. Multiple births carry additional risk both
for the mother and for fetuses. Discuss the risk of multiple
births with your healthcare provider.
Patients treated
with Luveris may develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
(OHSS), especially after the first cycle of therapy. Symptoms
of OHSS include severe pelvic pain, swelling of the hands
or legs, abdominal pain and swelling, shortness of breath,
weight gain, low urine output, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting.
OHSS can be fatal. Notify your doctor immediately or seek
emergency medical attention if you develop any of these
symptoms.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Luveris
Luveris will not induce ovulation if the ovaries
are not capable of producing an egg.
Before using
this medication, tell your doctor if you
- might
be pregnant;
- have a thyroid problem;
- have
adrenal dysfunction;
- have cancer or a tumor of
the breast, ovary, uterus, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland;
- have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; or
- have ovarian cysts or enlargement not due to polycystic
ovary disease (PCOD).
You may not be able to use
Luveris, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Treatment with Luveris increases the likelihood of
multiple births. Multiple births carry additional risk both
for the mother and for fetuses. Discuss the risk of multiple
births with your healthcare provider.
Do not use
this medication if you are pregnant. Luveris is in the FDA
pregnancy category X. This means that Luveris is known to
cause birth defects in an unborn baby (when used beyond
the period of ovulation).
It is not known whether
Luveris passes into breast milk. Do not use Luveris without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should you use Luveris Use Luveris exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Luveris
should only be administered subcutaneously. If you are administering
this medication at home, your doctor will give you detailed
instructions on how to mix the solution and give the injection.
Do not inject this medication if you are not sure how.
Do not shake the vial, but gently swirl until the solution
is clear. Do not inject any medication that is discolored
or that has particles in it.
Never reuse a needle
or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate,
puncture-resistant disposal container.
Luveris should
be used immediately after mixing. Any unused portion should
be thrown away.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Luveris.
What happens if you overdose: An overdose of Luveris is unlikely to threaten life.
Notify your doctor immediately or call an emergency room
or poison control center for advice if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a Luveris overdose are not known.
What should you avoid while using Luveris There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity during treatment with Luveris unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
Possible side effects of Luveris Stop using Luveris and seek emergency medical attention
or notify your doctor immediately if you experience any
of the following serious side effects:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- pain,
warmth, redness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg
(which may indicate a blood clot);
- confusion, severe
dizziness, severe headache; or
- difficulty breathing.
Patients treated with Luveris may develop ovarian
hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first
cycle of therapy. Symptoms of OHSS include severe pelvic
pain, swelling of the hands or legs, abdominal pain and
swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, low urine output,
diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting. OHSS can be fatal. Notify
your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention
if you develop any of these symptoms.
Other side
effects may also occur. Notify your doctor if you experience
- ovarian enlargement presenting as abdominal or
pelvic pain, tenderness, pressure, or swelling;
-
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or flatulence (gas);
-
fever or chills;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- rapid pulse or heart rate;
- muscle or joint
weakness or aching;
- breast tenderness;
-
spotting or menstrual changes;
- pain, swelling,
or irritation at the injection site; or
- dry skin,
a rash, or hair loss.
Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Luveris
It
is not known whether other medications will interact with
Luveris. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. |
