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Follitropin Alfa

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Follitropin Alfa is a recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) used to stimulate ovarian follicular development in women experiencing infertility. It is primarily used for ovulation induction in anovulatory women and for controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Treatment typically requires monitoring by a fertility specialist and administration of hCG to trigger final follicle maturation and ovulation.

Quick summary

A fertility hormone injection that stimulates ovarian follicle growth to help women achieve pregnancy, used in ovulation induction and assisted reproductive technologies.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
G03GA05
RxNorm
386938
Generic
Follitropin Alfa
Class
atc-g03
Brands
Gonal F
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
solution, injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)injection
Usual dose
150 IU daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)injection
Usual dose
75 IU daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)injection
Usual dose
150 IU daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose significantly exceeding recommended therapeutic range that may cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Chronic overdose: Prolonged supratherapeutic dosing leading to multiple follicular development and OHSS risk
Immediate actions
discontinue medication, monitor fluid balance, supportive care
Antidote
no specific antidote available(supportive care is primary management; no pharmacological antagonist exists)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

9 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

discontinue upon pregnancy confirmation unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal ultrasound monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

not indicated during pregnancy

Monitor

fetal well-being assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

not recommended during breastfeeding as excretion in breast milk is unknown

Monitor

monitor infant for any adverse effects

?

geriatric

elderly
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not applicable

Key Recommendations

not indicated for use in geriatric populations as safety and efficacy not established

Monitor

not applicable

?

pediatric_age

adolescents
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not applicable

Key Recommendations

not indicated for use in pediatric populations

Monitor

not applicable

⚠

renal_impairment

mild
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution and monitor closely for ovarian response

Monitor

monitor ovarian response and for signs of ovarian hyperstimulation

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate to severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

consider dose reduction

Key Recommendations

use with caution; limited data available

Monitor

close monitoring of ovarian response and renal function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution; limited data available

Monitor

monitor liver function tests and ovarian response

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

hepatic_impairment

moderate to severe
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use with extreme caution due to limited data

Monitor

close monitoring of hepatic function and ovarian response

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1990s

General prescribing information for Follitropin Alfa

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH)

Drug class information

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Ovulation induction, IVF, assisted reproductive technology

Common therapeutic uses

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Stimulates ovarian follicular growth and estrogen production

Pharmacological mechanism

Follitropin Alfa is used to treat anovulatory infertility by stimulating ovulation in women who do not have primary ovarian failure. It is also used for controlled ovarian stimulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Treatment is indicated for women who require follicular development to achieve pregnancy.

As a recombinant FSH, Follitropin Alfa directly stimulates the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles, promoting their growth and development. This leads to the recruitment and maturation of multiple follicles. For ovulation to occur, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) must be administered after follicular stimulation to trigger final oocyte maturation and release.

Follitropin Alfa should only be prescribed and monitored by physicians experienced in fertility treatment. Close monitoring via ultrasound and hormone levels is required to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies. It is contraindicated in primary ovarian failure, pregnancy, and certain hormone-sensitive conditions. Treatment requires regular follow-up and dose adjustments based on individual response.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy