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Follistim Side Effects

Generic name: follicle stimulating hormone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 10, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Follistim Side Effects associated with follicle stimulating hormone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Follistim.

Applies to follicle stimulating hormone: subcutaneous powder for solution, subcutaneous solution.

Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects of Follistim

Along with its needed effects, follicle stimulating hormone (the active ingredient contained in Follistim) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking follicle stimulating hormone:

More common side effects

  • acid or sour stomach
  • anxiety
  • backache
  • belching
  • bloating
  • chest pain or tightness
  • confusion
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty breathing
  • difficulty in speaking
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • double vision
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  • fainting
  • fast heartbeat
  • fast, weak pulse
  • full feeling
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
  • indigestion
  • loss of appetite
  • noisy breathing
  • passing gas
  • pelvic pain, discomfort, aching, or heaviness
  • rapid weight gain
  • severe nausea
  • slow speech
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain, or swelling
  • sudden increase in stomach or shoulder pain
  • sweating
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual or large amount of vaginal bleeding
  • uterine bleeding between menstrual periods
  • vomiting

Incidence not known

  • difficulty swallowing
  • dizziness
  • hives, itching, skin rash
  • pain the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • slurred speech
  • sudden loss of coordination
  • sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vision changes

Other side effects of Follistim

Some side effects of follicle stimulating hormone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • acne
  • bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
  • dandruff
  • oily skin
  • swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

Less common side effects

  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • inability to have or keep an erection
  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

For healthcare professionals

Applies to follicle stimulating hormone: injectable powder for injection, injectable solution, subcutaneous powder for injection, subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were headache, ovarian cysts and local injection site reactions (e.g. pain, erythema, hematoma, swelling and/or irritation at the site of injection).[Ref]

Genitourinary

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Local

Dermatologic

Metabolic

Hypersensitivity

Cardiovascular

Other

Respiratory

References

1. (2002) "Product Information. Follistim (follicle stimulating hormone)." Organon

2. (2002) "Product Information. Gonal-F (follicle stimulating hormone)." Serono Laboratories Inc

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Further information

Follistim side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.