Risk Factors Associated with Medications. I understand that Leuprolide Acetate, or Lupron, will put me into a temporary menopausal state. For this reason, I have been told that I may begin to experience hot flashes after using the medication for about a week. Additionally, although most patients tolerate Lupron quite well, I have been told that some women report headaches or temporary bloating of the abdomen. I am aware that Lupron may also change the nature of my menstrual cycle. I have been told that my period may come earlier or later than I expect; the flow may also be heavier or lighter than usual. There have been no documented long-term side effects of Lupron. It has been explained to me that many women actually have a decrease in side effects once they start their active medications (Bravelle, Gonal-F, Follistim and Repronex), and that this is related to the increased estrogen in the blood stream during the stimulation phase, which decreases the side effects associated with Lupron. Although side effects can occur (see discussion of ovarian hyperstimulation, below), I have been informed that most women tolerate these medications well. I understand that, except for ovarian hyperstimulation (which will be described below), which can occasionally be caused by hCG (Profasi, Pregnyl or Novarel), there are virtually no known side effects associated with injections of hCG, and that most women tolerate this medication quite well. In addition to the above, I am aware that the use of the above medications can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, headaches, mood swings and visual symptoms. Allergic reactions are also possible, but rare. I have been told that I may take Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol as needed for pain control. I have been warned to avoid taking Advil or any other brand of Ibuprofen, however. Should I feel the need to take any other form of medication, I have been asked to please contact the IVF Program first.
Risk Factors Associated with Medications. I understand that Leuprolide Acetate, or Lupron, will put me into a temporary menopausal state. For this reason, I have been told that I may begin to experience hot flashes after using the medication for about a week. Additionally, although most patients tolerate Leuprolide Acetate quite well, I have been told that some women report headaches or temporary bloating of the abdomen. I am aware that Leuprolide Acetate may also change the nature of my menstrual cycle. I have been told that my period may come earlier or later than I expect; the flow may also be heavier or lighter than usual. There have been no documented long-term side effects of Leuprolide Acetate. It has been explained to me that many women actually have a decrease in side effects once they start their active medications (Bravelle, Gonal-F, Follistim, and Repronex) and that this is related to the increased estrogen in the blood stream during the stimulation phase, which decreases the side effects associated with Leuprolide Acetate. Although side effects can occur (see discussion of ovarian hyperstimulation, below), I have been informed that most women tolerate these medications quite well. Antagon and Cetrotide have not been associated with significant side effects, although on occasion, these medications may not prevent the release of the egg(s) from the ovaries prior to egg retrieval. I understand that, except for ovarian hyperstimulation (which will be described below), which can occasionally be caused by hCG (Profasi, Pregnyl, Ovidrel or Novarel), there are almost no known side effects associated with injections of hCG, and that most women tolerate this medication quite well. In addition to the above, I am aware that the use of the above medications can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, headaches, mood swings and visual symptoms. Allergic reactions are also possible, but rare. I have been told that I may take Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol as needed for pain control. I have been warned to avoid taking Advil or any other brand of Ibuprofen, however. Should I feel the need to take any other form of medication, I have been asked to please contact the IVF Program first.
