What is Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)?
Clomid is an anti-oestrogenic pill. It works by increasing patient’s own FSH production which in turn causes stimulation of follicles in the ovaries to grow.


Are there side effects to Clomid?
The following adverse reactions have been associated with the use of Clomid: mood swings, breast tenderness, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, headaches, fatigue, irritability, depression, weight gain, ovarian cysts, and thinning of the endometrial lining.


What is Femara (Letrazole)?
Femara is a pill primarily used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. For fertility promoting purposes, letrazole is used at a much lower dosage to inhibit estrogen synthesis and thereby increase patient’s own FSH production. This results in enhanced follicular recruitment. Letrozole is quickly cleared from the body and less likely to adversely affect the endometrial lining than Clomid. If Letrazole is recommended by your physician, he or she will discuss the pros and cons of using this ovulation induction agent in greater detail with you.


What is HCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a natural hormone produced by the placenta and purified from the urine of pregnant women. The action of HCG is virtually identical to that of pituitary LH as it triggers ovulation.

Are there side effects to HCG?
The following adverse reactions have been associated with administration of HCG: headache, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, breast tenderness and nausea.

What is Suprefact?
Lupron/Suprefact acts on the pituitary gland. This medication causes suppression of the ovarian response, unless the ovary has been stimulated with other drugs such as Puregon or Gonal F.

What are the side effects of Suprefact?
The following adverse reactions have been associated with administration of Lupron/Suprefact: joint pain, headache, hot flashes, bruising and tenderness around the injection site.

What is Orgalutran?
Orgalutran acts on the pituitary gland. This medication causes suppression of the ovarian response. It is used to prevent premature release of eggs.


What are the side effects of Orgalutran?
The following adverse reactions have been associated with administration of Orgalutran: joint pain, headache, hot flashes, bruising and tenderness around the injection site.

What is Gonal F/Puregon?
Both of these medications are made from highly purified human Follicle Stimulating Hormone prepared by recombinant DNA technology. Both are non-urinary products and contains only FSH. There is no LH component.


What is Bravelle?
Bravelle is a highly purified urinary human Follicle Stimulating Hormone and contains 2% of LH.


What is Menopur?
Menopur is a highly purified preparation of naturally derived human Menopausal Gonadotropins (HMG) which contains both FSH and LH activities. This is a urinary product.

Are there any side effects to Gonal F/Puregon/Bravelle/Menopur?
Some women experience abdominal discomfort, headache, weight gain, irritability and breast tenderness. The most serious side effect is ovarian hyperstimulation. Hyperstimulation occurs when many follicles develop in response to Gonal F/Puregon/Menopur stimulation. This causes sudden enlargement of the ovary and the abdomen may become distended with fluid. Hyperstimulation is usually mild to moderate. However, severe hyperstimulation occurs in 1-3% of patients. Treatment consists of bed rest and careful monitoring of fluid levels.