Gonal F is a brand-name medication that is part of a class of drugs known as gonadotropins. Its active ingredient is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH). To understand its full identity, including what is another name for Gonal F, requires an exploration of its generic component, other available formulations, and how it compares to similar drugs.
The Generic Name: Follitropin Alfa
The most direct answer to "what is another name for Gonal F?" is its generic name: follitropin alfa. This is the non-proprietary name for the active, lab-produced form of human FSH. The drug is created using recombinant DNA technology, which ensures a highly purified and consistent form of the hormone.
Unlike naturally derived FSH products, which were historically extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women, follitropin alfa is a synthetic product with a consistent profile. This consistency can be beneficial for tailoring treatment plans for individuals with varying needs during fertility treatments.
Additional Brand-Name Variations
Beyond just its generic name, follitropin alfa can also be found under several other brand-name variations, all manufactured by EMD Serono, Inc. These include:
- Gonal-F RFF: This formulation of follitropin alfa is used for subcutaneous injection.
- Gonal-F RFF Redi-ject: An autoinjector pen device that contains follitropin alfa for multiple, pre-measured injections. The Redi-ject pen is prefilled and can be stored for a limited time after first use.
How Follitropin Alfa Works
FSH is a critical hormone for reproduction in both men and women. The follitropin alfa found in Gonal F mimics the body's natural FSH to stimulate reproductive function.
- For Women: Follitropin alfa stimulates the ovaries to develop follicles, the small sacs that contain developing eggs. In a standard ovulatory cycle, only one follicle develops fully. In assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, Gonal F is used to encourage the development of multiple mature follicles, increasing the number of eggs that can be retrieved for procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- For Men: Gonal F, when used in conjunction with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), is prescribed for men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to stimulate sperm production.
Gonal F Compared to Other Fertility Medications
Gonal F vs. Follistim
Both Gonal F (follitropin alfa) and Follistim (follitropin beta) are brand-name injectable forms of recombinant FSH. While they both serve the same function—to stimulate follicle development—they are distinct medications with different dosing regimens and delivery devices. Your fertility specialist will determine which medication is best for your specific protocol, considering factors like dosing, convenience, and individual patient response.
Gonal F vs. Menopur
Menopur is a medication that contains both FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH), derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. Gonal F, on the other hand, contains only FSH (follitropin alfa) and is a synthetic, recombinant product. Your doctor may prescribe Menopur alone or in combination with Gonal F, depending on your specific hormonal needs.
Comparison of Common Injectable Gonadotropins
| Feature | Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa) | Follistim (Follitropin Beta) | Menopur (Menotropins) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hormone(s) | FSH only | FSH only | FSH and LH |
| Source | Recombinant (lab-made) | Recombinant (lab-made) | Extracted from urine |
| Availability | Pen, vials | Cartridge pen | Vials to be mixed |
| Dosing | Dose varies by indication, adjusted based on response | Dose varies by indication, adjusted based on response | Dose varies by indication, adjusted based on response |
| Use in Men | Yes, for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism | Not FDA-approved for male infertility | No |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, abdominal pain, injection site reactions | Headache, abdominal pain, injection site reactions | Headache, abdominal pain, injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms |
Administration and Storage
Gonal F is administered via subcutaneous injection, which can be performed in the abdomen, upper arm, or upper leg. The specific procedure varies depending on whether a multidose vial or a Redi-ject pen is used. Patients are often trained by their healthcare provider on how to self-administer the medication at home.
- Before first use: Unopened Gonal F should be stored in the refrigerator until its expiration date.
- After first use: After the first dose, the Gonal-F Redi-ject pen can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 28 days. Multi-dose vials must be used within a certain period after reconstitution.
- Injection process: Before injection, allow the medication to warm to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Rotate injection sites to minimize irritation.
Conclusion
The primary alternative name for Gonal F is its generic name, follitropin alfa. It is also available under the brand names Gonal-F RFF and Gonal-F RFF Redi-ject. As a recombinant FSH medication, it plays a critical role in various fertility treatments for both men and women. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider to understand their specific treatment protocol and the potential risks and benefits associated with Gonal F and other fertility medications. For specific information regarding the medication, consult the official FDA prescribing information provided by the manufacturer.
