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Менопур

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Менопур

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Менопур

Property Description
Active ingredient Menotropin (Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin, hMG)
Form Lyophilized powder and solvent for injection
Pharmacological class Gonadotropins / Ovulation Stimulators
Common use Hormonal support for reproductive function
Origin Urinary-derived biologic

What is Menopur (Menotropin) and What Type of Medicine is It?

Menopur (Менопур) is a gonadotropin medication used to provide fundamental hormonal support for reproductive function, containing the active ingredient Menotropin, also known as Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (hMG). As an Ovulation Stimulator, it belongs to the pharmacological class of agents that directly influence the gonads, supplying two key hormones: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) activity and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) activity. Menotropin is officially classified under the ATC code G03GA02, designating it as a pituitary and hypothalamic hormone and analogue. Pharmacological studies widely recognize that the dual-hormone activity of Menotropin is essential for achieving proper follicular maturity.

Composition, Origin, and Pharmaceutical Form

The active component, Menotropin, is a highly purified, urinary-derived biologic medication because it is extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women and subsequently processed to meet strict pharmaceutical quality standards. This sourcing is a distinctive characteristic compared to purely recombinant gonadotropins. The medication is supplied as a lyophilized powder and a separate solvent for reconstitution. This powder, once mixed, forms an aqueous solution for injection, prepared for either intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, serving as its essential pharmaceutical form.

General Purpose and Fundamental Action

The general purpose of Menopur is to medically support and regulate the complex hormonal signals that govern reproductive capability. The fundamental action of Menotropin is to directly stimulate gonadal function, providing the necessary hormonal signals to promote the development and maturation of ovarian follicles. By delivering both FSH and LH activities, the drug aids in initiating and sustaining the orderly processes required for reproductive health when hormonal insufficiency is the primary concern.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed Drug Information: Menotropins
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What side effects are possible with Менопур?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Menotropin (Menopur) is classified by regulatory authorities based on the frequency and the affected body system. The most commonly reported adverse reactions (ge 1/100 to <1/10) include headache, abdominal pain or distension, nausea, and injection site reactions such as pain or inflammation. These effects are classified under the Nervous System, Gastrointestinal, and General disorders categories in official labeling.

Serious Adverse Reactions

The most significant and very common (ge 1/10) safety event documented in regulatory sources is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This condition involves increased vascular permeability and can be life-threatening in severe cases. Furthermore, the label documents the risk of pulmonary and vascular complications, including thromboembolic events (blood clots), which may manifest as pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis.

Safety Patterns and Restrictions

OHSS is most frequently observed after hormonal treatment has been discontinued, typically reaching maximum severity 7 to 10 days following treatment, a pattern explicitly noted in regulatory documents. Treatment is associated with an increased risk of multiple gestation (e.g., twins or triplets). Women with a history of fallopian tube disease face a heightened risk of ectopic pregnancy, and patients with generally recognized risk factors for thrombosis have an increased risk of thromboembolic events.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Menopur (menotropins) is administered under strict medical supervision, making an acute overdose unlikely. The most significant and potentially serious consequence of over-response to the medication is the development of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which is dose-dependent and can become life-threatening if severe.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

OHSS is characterized by a rapid increase in vascular permeability, leading to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, thorax, and other areas.

Severity Symptoms that may indicate OHSS
Mild to Moderate Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild weight gain.
Severe Severe pelvic/abdominal pain, rapid weight gain (over 2.2 lbs/day), decreased or no urination, trouble breathing, or fluid accumulation in the chest.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Contact your doctor immediately, or seek emergency medical care, if you experience any signs of severe OHSS or other serious complications, even if symptoms develop days after your last injection. Severe complications include pulmonary issues (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood) and thromboembolic events (blood clots), which may manifest as sudden numbness, weakness on one side of the body, or pain/swelling in the leg.

If you suspect you have used too much Menopur, contact a poison control center or emergency services right away.

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Therapeutic Uses of Менопур

Quick Facts: Uses of Menopur (Menotropins)

Therapeutic Domain Purpose
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Assists in the development of multiple ovarian follicles.
Infertility Management Supports the process toward pregnancy in ovulatory women undergoing an ART cycle.

Menopur (menotropins for injection) is prescribed to women who are part of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The medication assists in the development of multiple ovarian follicles in patients who are able to ovulate.

The therapeutic action of Menopur supports the controlled ovarian stimulation process, which is a component of ART to support the possibility of a pregnancy. Prior to initiation of this therapy, a healthcare provider should perform a complete evaluation and rule out other causes of infertility, such as primary ovarian failure.

This medication is a component of a complete fertility management plan. For a detailed therapeutic overview and information regarding its approved use in ART cycles, please consult professional medical documentation.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed guidance
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Menopur is indicated for ovulatory women participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program. Regulatory documents strictly define populations who must not use the medicine (contraindications).

Contraindicated Populations (Absolute Exclusion)
Primary ovarian failure (indicated by high FSH levels).
Pregnancy or lactation/breastfeeding status.
Sex hormone-dependent tumors (e.g., ovarian, uterine, or mammary carcinoma).
Tumors of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
Uncontrolled non-gonadal endocrinopathies (e.g., thyroid/adrenal dysfunction).
Ovarian cysts or enlargement not due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin.
Prior hypersensitivity to menotropins or any excipients.

Age and Organ Function Restrictions Use is not established and not recommended in pediatric or geriatric populations. The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of Menopur have not been established in women with renal or hepatic insufficiency.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products — official regulatory information for Menopur


Interaction Scope

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions: Specific adverse interaction categories are not defined; however, co-administration with other Gonadotropin Products is documented.
Specific interacting medicines (if explicitly listed): Urofollitropin may be administered together with Menopur.
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label): No formal pharmacokinetic interaction mechanisms are stated, as the FDA confirms that no drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted for Menopur in humans.
Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable): Mandatory Physical Separation Requirement: The product is prohibited from being physically mixed with other medicinal products.
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable): Safety and pharmacokinetics have not been established in women with renal or hepatic insufficiency.
Interaction-related restrictions: Prohibition of physical mixing of the reconstituted solution with any medicine other than the specified solvent.

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Interaction severity classification (as defined in official documents): The label does not classify adverse drug-drug interactions. Contraindications are based on patient condition, not co-administered substances.
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.): U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Prescribing Information and European Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).
Interaction-context constraints (as defined in official documents): The product is prohibited from being mixed with other medicinal products due to the absence of compatibility studies.

Resulting Interaction Structure

Official Interaction Statements
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prescribing information states that formal drug-drug interaction studies have not been conducted for Menopur in humans.
• The product is subject to a procedural constraint: the reconstituted solution must not be mixed with other medicinal products due to a lack of compatibility data.
• Co-administration with urofollitropin is documented in the regulatory label as an acceptable therapeutic co-use pattern.
• The label notes that the safety and pharmacokinetics of Menopur have not been established in women with renal or hepatic insufficiency.

Connection to the overall interaction profile (2–4 sentences): The regulatory interaction profile for Menopur is characterized primarily by the absence of formal human interaction study data, rather than documented adverse metabolic or transporter-mediated interactions. Consequently, the profile centers on mandatory procedural constraints, such as the prohibition against mixing the solution with other products, and documented co-administration patterns with specific gonadotropins, as specified in the official prescribing information.

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Mechanism of Action

Dual Activation of Gonadotropin Receptors

Menotropin acts by immediately binding to and activating both the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) and the Luteinizing Hormone Receptor (LHR) on the target gonadal cells, acting as a non-selective agonist for these key G-protein coupled receptors. This dual-signal initiation immediately activates the intracellular cAMP signaling cascade, providing the complete molecular command that drives cellular growth and differentiation.


Synergy in the Two-Cell Steroidogenesis Cascade

The mechanism engages the physiological response through a synergistic, two-step biochemical cascade known as the "Two-Cell, Two-Gonadotropin" model . LHR agonism stimulates theca cells to produce androgen precursors, while concurrent FSHR agonism stimulates the adjacent granulosa cells to express the aromatase enzyme, converting those precursors into estradiol. This coordinated pathway facilitates follicular maturation within the system.


Mechanism Constraint: Growth, Not Rupture

This mechanistic domain is focused on sustained growth and maturation and is strictly dependent on the presence of functional FSHR and LHRs. Crucially, the agonism does not contain the acute, short-term surge signal required to complete the reproductive process; thus, the mechanism is constrained to cause only follicular growth and structural differentiation, requiring a separate LHR-mediated signal to trigger ovarian rupture.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Menopur: Official Administration Guidelines

Menopur (Menotropin) is administered through a parenteral route, delivered as a Subcutaneous (SC) injection, though the Intramuscular (IM) route is also authorized in some official regimens. The medication is supplied as a lyophilized powder that must be immediately reconstituted with the supplied solvent before use. During preparation, the vial should be gently swirled to dissolve the powder; shaking is strictly prohibited as it may compromise the solution.


Labeled Dosing and Scheduling

The usage of Menopur is defined by a controlled, cyclic schedule, with the frequency pattern being once daily for women and two or three times weekly for men.

Usage Context Initial Dose (Women) Adjustment Frequency
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) 225 IU SC daily (for the first 5 days) Not more frequently than every two days
Ovulation Induction (Non-ART) 75 IU to 150 IU daily Not more frequently than every seven days

For women undergoing ART, the daily dose has an official ceiling of 450 IU, and the stimulation phase must not exceed 20 days of treatment.


Procedural and Course Structure

The treatment course mandates specific procedural steps. Administration typically commences on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. Following the completion of the Menopur stimulation phase, a single injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) must be administered to complete the follicular maturation process. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of Menopur have not been established in the pediatric population. The administration must be conducted under the supervision of a physician experienced in fertility management.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Menopur

This overview describes the types of clinical studies that have been conducted for Menopur (Menotropin) and what the available research suggests, according to official and peer-reviewed sources.


Evidence for Use in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Menopur was studied for its use in Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) as a component of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), which includes procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). The research was studied for its use in ART across large, international Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Numerous meta-analyses have also been performed, which combine data from several individual RCTs to provide a broader view of the research landscape.

These studies research examined Menopur in specific groups of patients undergoing ART. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies across different countries and patient groups, helping to contextualize how Menopur was evaluated in the ART setting.

Study Endpoints and Outcomes Examined

The primary outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance tracked were monitored as the Live Birth Rate (the birth of a baby) and the Ongoing Pregnancy Rate (detectable fetal heartbeat at a certain point in the pregnancy). These measures are the ultimate goal outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level in fertility research.

Research examined these short-term changes, including the number of eggs (oocytes) retrieved after the stimulation cycle and the assessment of Follicular Development, such as the number and size of mature follicles. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies across these reproductive and physiological outcomes.

Studies in Specific Patient Groups and Comparisons

The research generally included a population of adult women, typically under age 40, who were undergoing their first or second ART cycle and who had various causes of infertility. Findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and apply primarily to the populations included in the research.

The non-inferiority trials data show patterns related to the evaluation of reproductive outcomes. Studies specifically explored groups considered to be "high responders" to ovarian stimulation. However, data for certain groups remain limited, particularly for women with very specific or rare comorbidities, who were often excluded from the main clinical trials.

Key Evidence Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

Menopur was studied for its use in ART across a high level of research evidence, including large RCTs and meta-analyses; however, several gaps and uncertainties remain.

  • Comparative evidence is lacking for a direct comparison against an inactive control (placebo) in the modern ART setting, as this is not ethically feasible. Therefore, evidence focuses on comparisons with other active treatments.
  • Data for certain groups remain limited, especially regarding the specific performance of Menopur in patients categorized as having poor ovarian response or those with complex, pre-existing health conditions.
  • The research provides limited insight into the durability of reproductive function or long-term health consequences for mothers following multiple cycles of treatment, as follow-up durations were limited in the main efficacy trials.

Key Studies & References Clinical efficacy of highly purified hMG versus recombinant FSH in IVF/ICSI cycles: a meta-analysis (Cochrane/Systematic Review type data)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Менопур (FAQ)


Q: What is the typical timeframe for a Менопур injection cycle?

According to official product information, the specific duration varies based on the individual's response to the treatment. For Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles, the stimulation phase is usually limited and typically does not exceed 20 days. For non-ART ovulation induction, if an adequate response is not observed after four weeks, the current cycle may need to be discontinued based on clinical judgment.


Q: How long after stopping Менопур does ovulation usually occur?

Ovulation is induced by a separate injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin ( hCG), which is used to finalize follicular maturation. Regulatory protocols specify that this hCG injection, often referred to as a 'trigger shot,' is typically administered one day after the last Menopur injection.


Q: Do you always need a trigger shot after using Менопур?

The trigger shot is generally required to complete the treatment and promote the release of the mature eggs. However, official safety guidelines state that if a patient shows an excessive ovarian response during monitoring, the trigger shot is typically withheld as a key safety measure to manage the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ( OHSS).


Q: Is a little bit of bruising at the injection site normal with Менопур?

Yes, reactions at the site of injection are common. Official product information reports that the most frequent reactions seen in clinical trials include pain, inflammation, redness, and bruising. Any severe or prolonged discomfort should be reported to the prescribing healthcare provider.


Q: Can Менопур make you feel emotional or moody?

Official reports on adverse reactions include potential effects on the central nervous system. These reported effects include headache, irritability, or restlessness. If a patient experiences significant emotional changes, they should follow up with their healthcare provider.


Q: Are there any vitamins or supplements to avoid while on Менопур?

Formal drug-drug interaction studies with specific vitamins or supplements have not been conducted. However, a key procedural constraint in the official information is that the reconstituted Menopur solution must not be physically mixed with any other medicinal product, including other injectable vitamins or supplements.


Q: Is there an age limit for women who can use Менопур?

Official regulatory labels indicate that the safety and effectiveness of Menopur have not been established in the pediatric or geriatric (elderly) populations. Clinical trials generally focused on women within the typical reproductive age range, which applies to those undergoing fertility treatment.


Q: What should I do if I accidentally miss a dose of Менопур?

Official guidance emphasizes that you should contact your prescribing clinic immediately for direction if a dose is missed. Patients are cautioned against adjusting the prescribed schedule or taking extra doses without explicit guidance from their clinician.


Q: How is Менопур different from Gonal-F or Follistim?

Menopur contains menotropin, which provides both Follicle-Stimulating Hormone ( FSH) activity and Luteinizing Hormone ( LH) activity. In contrast, drugs like Gonal-F and Follistim are primarily FSH-only products. This dual hormonal component is a key difference noted in the drug's mechanism of action.


Q: Can I travel with Менопур and how should I keep it cool?

The unmixed product must be stored correctly, either refrigerated or at controlled room temperature, and official guidance specifically states that it must not be frozen. It should also be kept in its original container to protect it from light. It is best to consult your clinic for specific advice regarding travel storage and transport logistics.


Q: Is stomach bloating a common side effect during a Менопур cycle?

Yes, regulatory documents list abdominal distension and abdominal pain as common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials. Abdominal distension is often the clinical term for bloating experienced by patients.


Q: Why do some people experience fatigue when taking Менопур?

Fatigue has been reported as a documented adverse reaction in clinical trials of Menopur. The official adverse reaction list also includes generalized symptoms such as flu-like illness, which may contribute to feelings of tiredness.


Q: Does Менопур affect thyroid function?

Menopur is a gonadotropin, not a thyroid medication. However, official product information states that the drug is contraindicated (must not be used) in patients with uncontrolled non-gonadal endocrinopathies, which include certain thyroid or adrenal gland disorders.


Q: Why is monitoring so important when taking Менопур?

Monitoring is required for both safety and effectiveness. Regulatory documents specify that treatment must be closely supervised by a physician who uses ultrasound and serum estradiol levels to track the ovarian response. This is essential to ensure proper follicular development and to minimize the serious risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ( OHSS).


Q: What is the shelf life of an unmixed vial of Менопур?

The unmixed lyophilized powder, before preparation for injection, remains stable when stored properly (at or below 25 C) until the expiry date listed on the product packaging. The storage conditions of the unmixed and mixed product differ, so patients must check the labeling carefully.


Q: Do men experience any side effects when using Менопур?

As with any medication, men may experience side effects. Menopur is sometimes indicated for use in men, and adverse reactions documented for this drug class in males can include the development of gynecomastia (breast enlargement), as well as general side effects like headache and injection site pain.


Q: What is the average number of days women take Менопур?

While the maximum duration for ART cycles is 20 days, the number of days a woman takes Menopur is highly personalized. Clinical study protocols often report an average stimulation duration of around 10 to 12 days, but the actual treatment length is determined by a physician based on the individual's ongoing progress.

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How should Менопур be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

Menopur (menotropins) storage conditions are strictly defined by regulatory documents based on the product state. The unmixed lyophilized powder and solvent should be stored in a refrigerator, typically between 2 C to 8 C, or may be stored at controlled room temperature (up to 25 C), but must not be frozen.

The medicine must be kept in its original container to protect from light and stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Product State Stability Requirement Max Temperature
Unmixed Product Until Expiry Date 25 C (unless refrigerated)
Reconstituted Multidose Up to 28 days le 25 C

Any unused or expired product must be discarded in accordance with local regulations and should not be disposed of via household waste or wastewater. Used needles and syringes require disposal in an approved, puncture-resistant sharps container.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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