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Patient FAQ

There are many questions that come up when you are faced with a treatment cycle of infertility. The following questions are the most common that our specialized pharmacists have received over the years. Please note that while these FAQ's are written by a clinician, you should always contact your doctor with your specific questions and/or specific condition or an IVPCARE pharmacist at 1-800-424-9002 .



How exact should the timing of my medication be?
What if I am not able to take it at the same time?
Can I drink alcohol?
Can I mix my gonadotropins ahead of time?
How much diluent should be used with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)?

I mix my HCG ahead of time?

How long can my pen medication be out of the refrigerator?
This leuprolide is only half full. Will it last 14 days?
Can I reuse a syringe?
I accidentally put my medications in my freezer overnight. Are they still good?
Are there any over-the-counter medications I can take for a cold or headache while I am undergoing treatment for infertility?
Can I still have sex while I am taking Crinone or progesterone suppositories?
My medication arrived today and feels warm to the touch. Is it still good?
 
Question How exact should the timing of my medication be?
Answer As close to the same time each day as possible.
Question What if I am not able to take it at the same time?
Answer Ask your center / physician for their suggested guidelines, but do not exceed a 2 hour window.
Question Can I drink alcohol?
Answer Alcohol will not interact with the medication but use moderation or abstain if possible.
Question Can I mix my gonadotropins ahead of time?
Answer Your injection should be given within 20 minutes of mixing.
Question How much diluent should be used with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)?
Answer 1ml or 1cc unless otherwise directed by physician.
Question Can I mix my HCG ahead of time?
Answer Yes, it is good for 60 days under refrigeration.
Question How long can my pen medication be out of the refrigerator?
Answer Follistim AQ can be at room temperature for 3 months, unless punctured, then it is only good for 28 days or until expiration date whichever comes first. Gonal-F pen for up to 3 months unless punctured, then it is good for 28 days or until expiration date whichever comes first.
Question This leuprolide is only half full. Will it last 14 days?
Answer Depending on your dose it will probably last longer than 14 days. Keep the leuprolide in the refrigerator upon first use; this is a multiple dose vial.
Question Can I reuse a syringe?
Answer No. IVPCARE provides all syringes required to administer your medication.
Question I accidentally put my medications in my freezer overnight. Are they still good?
Answer Freezing medication can inactivate the medication. We recommend getting new medication.
Question Are there any over-the-counter medications I can take for a cold or headache while I am undergoing treatment for infertility?
Answer There are no drug interactions but, depending on your procedure, you may want to talk to your doctor first.
Question Can I still have sex while I am taking Crinone or progesterone suppositories?
Answer Unless specifically instructed not to, it is fine to engage in intercourse. If your partner is scheduled for his sperm sample, you will want to check with your clinic for their guidelines on timing.
Question My medication arrived today and feels warm to the touch. Is it still good?
Answer Depending on the medication, some are okay at room temperature while others need to stay cold. Progesterone products are very stable and most others have a window of time to be at room temperature. If you are concerned contact an IVPCARE pharmacist.


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