Lifecell

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Lifecell

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

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.

Overview of Lifecell

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Urofollitropin and Lutein
Pharmacological Class Gonadotropin and Carotenoid/Antioxidant
Form Lyophilized Powder for Injection and Oral Capsule
General Purpose Follicular Stimulation and Cellular Protection
Origin Biological/Urinary-derived and Natural-Source

What is the Composition and Class of Lifecell?

Lifecell is defined as a specialized combination product and a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM) that integrates two distinct active components: Urofollitropin and Lutein. This unique structure classifies it as a Drug-Nutrient combination, pairing a biological hormonal agent with a supporting nutritional supplement. Urofollitropin is classified as a Gonadotropin, which is a highly purified form of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), a glycoprotein isolated from natural biological sources. Lifecell is distinctive because it purposefully combines this potent hormonal component with Lutein, a Carotenoid and Xanthophyll Antioxidant derived from natural sources, establishing a differentiated approach compared to single-agent gonadotropin preparations.

Lifecell Dosage Form and Component Delivery

The Lifecell regimen is complex because it utilizes two separate dosage forms and routes of administration, a key feature of the co-packaged product. The hormonal component, Urofollitropin, is provided as a Lyophilized powder for injectable solution, requiring parenteral administration via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The nutritional component, Lutein, is supplied as an Oral capsule or softgel, designed for standard oral delivery. This co-packaged system reflects clinical practice supported by pharmacological studies, acknowledging the necessity of administering the biologic hormone through injection while allowing the carotenoid pigment to be taken orally, optimizing the bioavailability of each active substance.

The General Purpose of Lifecell: Hormonal and Antioxidant Support

The core purpose of Lifecell is to provide dual-action support: specialized follicular stimulation and fundamental cellular protection. The Gonadotropin component primarily signals the ovaries to initiate and accelerate essential follicular maturation and development. This mechanism is clinically recognized as critical for supporting reproductive function. Simultaneously, the Lutein component acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize damaging free radicals and providing crucial support for overall cellular integrity. Lifecell is typically positioned for patients who require specific hormonal intervention alongside nutritional fortification, offering a specialized combination distinct from generic fertility treatments.

Regulatory References

  1. Physiology, Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  2. Hormones: MedlinePlus Health Topic

What side effects are possible with Lifecell?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Lifecell is primarily characterized by the pharmacological effects of its Urofollitropin component, a Gonadotropin, as described in official regulatory documents. Adverse reactions are formally classified by frequency and system-organ class.

Serious Adverse Reactions

The most critical safety concern documented in regulatory labeling is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a severe, potentially life-threatening complication involving excessive ovarian response and fluid accumulation. Official warnings also list other serious vascular and reproductive complications, including thromboembolic events (blood clots), Ovarian Torsion, and increased risks for Ectopic Pregnancy and Spontaneous Abortion (miscarriage).

Frequency-Classified Effects

Adverse reactions observed with a Very Common (ge 10%) frequency include headache, abdominal pain, and localized injection site reactions such as bruising, pain, or inflammation. Effects classified as Common (ge 1% to <10%) typically involve the Gastrointestinal System and Reproductive System, including nausea, vomiting, the formation of a simple ovarian cyst, and pelvic pain.

Safety Constraints and Timing

Regulatory documentation establishes that the risk of severe OHSS is often observed to be highest seven to ten days after the hormonal treatment concludes. The medicine is contraindicated for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with primary ovarian failure, or specific uncontrolled non-gonadal endocrine conditions. The official prescribing information also specifies the need for mandatory frequent monitoring of ovarian response to mitigate safety risks.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Lifecell overdose is defined by the acute reduction in blood glucose levels. Documented overdose presentations involve a cluster of neuroglycopenic and autonomic symptoms, including confusion, somnolence (drowsiness), diaphoresis (sweating), palpitations, and tremor. The definitive laboratory finding documented in prescribing information is a blood glucose concentration below 70 mg/dL, which requires immediate attention.

Severe overdose carries the risk of life-threatening CNS outcomes, such as seizures and loss of consciousness (coma), which regulators explicitly link to the potential for irreversible neurological damage. Due to this severe risk, immediate medical attention must be sought upon the manifestation of severe symptoms. Regulators mandate that emergency services must be contacted immediately if the patient is found unconscious or experiencing convulsions.

Management protocols specify that the specific antidote Glucagon is known and indicated for severe hypoglycemia, followed by the administration of intravenous glucose solution. Continuous hospital monitoring and observation for up to 72 hours is required, driven by the documented potential for recurrent symptomatic hypoglycemia. Officially noted population risks indicate an increased severity of overdose in elderly patients and those with existing renal or hepatic impairment.

Therapeutic Uses of Lifecell

Lifecell is a prescription medication primarily indicated for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. It is used as a component of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet and exercise. The primary therapeutic goal is to assist patients in achieving and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.

This medication is used to address the ongoing needs associated with chronic hyperglycemia. Its uses include supporting the control of blood sugar, assisting in the maintenance of healthy nerve function, and contributing to vascular health. By supporting glucose regulation, Lifecell aids in the long-term management of chronic symptom domains and may support functional improvement. Patients should consult a healthcare professional regarding their treatment goals and the benefits of this therapy.


Quick Fact: Relief for Blood Glucose Management Lifecell assists in regulating blood glucose levels as part of a patient's overall diabetes treatment regimen.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus guidance on diabetes management

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Lifecell?

The eligibility for Lifecell (a medication for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) is defined by strict regulatory criteria based on patient population, existing health status, and age, as outlined in official government labeling.


Contraindicated Populations

Lifecell must not be used by patients who meet any of the following absolute contraindications:

  • Severe Renal Impairment: Including those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m^2) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
  • Metabolic Acidosis: Including acute or chronic states such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
  • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): The medicine is not indicated for T1DM.
  • Hypersensitivity: A history of a serious allergic reaction to the medicine or its components.

Restricted and Special Populations

  • Age Groups: The medicine is indicated for adults. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in the pediatric population (under 18 years). Older adults require more frequent monitoring of renal function.
  • Organ Function: Use is generally not recommended in patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-45 mL/minute/1.73 m^2) or severe hepatic impairment.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as classified by regulatory authorities.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interaction Map: Interactions with other medicines and products — official regulatory information for Lifecell

Category Regulatory Status / Statement
Documented Interacting Categories Fat-blocking medications, other carotenoids, and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) are the primary documented categories.
Mechanistic Basis Pharmacokinetic interaction related to the absorption and resulting systemic exposure of the Lutein component.
Timing Rules No mandatory time-separation rules or specific administration windows are explicitly documented in official labeling.
Interaction-Related Restrictions The Lutein component officially requires co-administration with a fat-containing meal for optimal bioavailability.

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Category Regulatory Classification
Severity Classification No medicinal products or substances are formally classified as a contraindicated combination (highest severity).
Context Constraints The interaction profile is largely constrained by the absorption characteristics of the fat-soluble Lutein component.

Official Interaction Statements

  • Co-administration with fat-blocking medications (e.g., Orlistat) is documented to potentially reduce the absorption and resulting systemic exposure of the Lutein component.
  • Concurrent use of other Carotenoids may result in reduced Lutein bioavailability due to competitive inhibition of absorption in the gut.
  • The Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) supplement is officially documented to potentially increase the rate of absorption of the Lutein component.
  • The Urofollitropin component is characterized in regulatory documents by a lack of documented interactions with major metabolic enzymes or drug transporters.

Connection to the overall interaction profile

Official regulatory documents define Lifecell’s interaction structure primarily through pharmacokinetic constraints centered on the Lutein component’s absorption requirements. This structure necessitates attention to documented drug-food and drug-supplement interactions that alter systemic exposure. The overall profile is further characterized by the official regulatory position that the Urofollitropin component lacks clinically significant interactions related to common metabolic or transporter pathways.

Mechanism of Action

How Lifecell Works — Mechanism of Action

Lifecell, comprising Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs), acts as a biological modulator that alters the immediate tissue environment and regulates the immune system. Its core mechanism relies on complex cell-to-cell communication.

Paracrine Signaling and Trophic Factor Release

The primary method of action involves the release of soluble factors (cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes) by the administered cells. These signals interact with neighboring host cells, influencing signaling that supports cell survival and local perfusion. This mechanism promotes tissue homeostasis by influencing the host’s intrinsic repair processes.

Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Cascades

Secreted factors target key immune cells (T cells, Natural Killer cells) to inhibit their activation and the subsequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while simultaneously influencing the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators. This action influences the inflammatory response kinetics and reduces the concentration of inflammatory mediators.

Endogenous Repair and Angiogenesis Support

The mechanism promotes signaling associated with the activation of the host's native repair pathways, including the stimulation of angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth) and the modulation of fibrotic processes. This action promotes structural reorganization by influencing progenitor cell activity and the balance between matrix deposition and degradation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration and Dosage Instructions for Lifecell

The following instructions for use are based on the labeling for the topical formulation of Lifecell Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (containing octinoxate and zinc oxide), and they must be followed precisely for external use only.

Procedural Steps

Route of Administration: Topical (Cream/Lotion)

Official Dosage: Apply liberally to all skin areas exposed to the sun.

Timing and Frequency:

  1. Apply the product liberally 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
  2. Reapplication is required at least every 2 hours.
  3. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.
  4. Reapply immediately after towel drying.

Special Administration Conditions

Administration Scope Rule
Preparation Requirements None explicitly stated for reconstitution or dilution.
Age-Group Rules Children under 6 months: A doctor must be consulted prior to use.
Procedural Constraint Do not use on damaged or broken skin. Keep out of eyes; rinse with water to remove.

This product is designated for use as part of a wider sun protection strategy. To decrease associated risks, regularly use this sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher alongside other sun protection measures, such as limiting time in the sun (especially 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) and wearing protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses).

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Use in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Lifecell was studied for use in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. Research typically includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that observe patient groups over defined intervals. Findings indicate that research highlights changes measured during the study period, particularly regarding biomarkers used to track glycemic management. Research provides context but does not determine individual predictions based on group patterns.


How Glycemic Control Was Evaluated in Studies

The evaluation of research was focused on the measurement of glycemic control biomarkers, including Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG). Research also explored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, such as the assessment of insulin resistance and beta-cell function. Secondary studies have monitored chronic markers and outcomes describing nerve function or vascular health. The results apply only to the populations studied.


Long-term Studies and Durability of Response

Lifecell was studied for its impact over controlled, short-term intervention periods (a few weeks to several months). Long-term effects are not fully established, and research is ongoing to better understand the durability and potential maintenance of the observed changes. There is limited information for long-term outcomes.


Evidence in Specific Patient Populations

The majority of clinical data currently available was observed in a broad group of adult patients. However, data for certain groups remain insufficient. For instance, there is limited available information for older adults or those with specific complex comorbidities. Subgroup findings are uncertain as main studies were not designed to provide conclusive data for all patient types.


Key Uncertainties and Research Gaps

A key limitation is that comparative evidence is lacking for a large-scale Randomized Controlled Trial assessing the unique co-packaged formulation (Urofollitropin and Lutein) for the T2DM indication. Supportive research was associated with studies involving the individual components. Evidence quality varies across studies, and limitations mean that certainty remains low for definitive long-term or subgroup predictions.

Key Studies & References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus guidance on diabetes management
  2. FSH Activity, NIH [Contextual source for Urofollitropin component]
  3. Reproductive Hormones, MedlinePlus [Contextual source for Gonadotropin class]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lifecell (FAQ)


Q: What should I do with the used needles and any leftover liquid medicine?

A: According to the official product information, used needles and syringes are intended to be placed immediately into a dedicated, puncture-resistant sharps disposal container.

It is important to note that the injectable solution must be used immediately after it is prepared (reconstituted). Any portion of the liquid that is not used is intended to be discarded immediately and is not intended to be saved for future use.


Q: Who are the patient populations that are absolutely forbidden from using Lifecell?

A: Official regulatory documents define several absolute contraindications. This means the medicine is contraindicated and not intended for use in these populations, including patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m^2), Metabolic Acidosis (like DKA), or Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Contraindications also apply to anyone with a history of a serious allergic reaction to its components, or for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific uncontrolled non-gonadal endocrine conditions.


Q: If I'm using a fat-blocking medicine, how will this affect the effectiveness of Lifecell?

A: Regulatory information indicates that co-administration with fat-blocking medications, such as Orlistat, may potentially reduce the absorption of the Lutein component of Lifecell.

This interaction is noted because the Lutein component is required to be administered with a fat-containing meal for optimal absorption.


Q: What is Urofollitropin, and what is its specific purpose in the Lifecell combination?

A: Urofollitropin is the hormonal component of Lifecell, classified as a Gonadotropin, which is a highly purified form of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).

Its core purpose in the combination product is to provide specialized follicular stimulation and development, a mechanism clinically recognized for supporting reproductive function.


Q: If I miss a dose of the Lifecell capsule or injection, what should I do?

A: Official drug information for this class of medication often includes instruction not to double the subsequent dose if a previous dose is missed or forgotten.

The prescribed treatment plan contains specific instructions from a healthcare provider on how to handle a missed dose, and those instructions should be followed.


Q: What should I do if the sunscreen gets into my eyes?

A: The official instructions for the topical sunscreen formulation of Lifecell include a clear procedural constraint regarding accidental contact with the eyes.

The product label states that if the sunscreen gets into the eyes, they must be rinsed immediately with water to remove it.


Q: What does the eGFR value (below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m^2) mean in the context of kidney function and Lifecell use?

A: eGFR, or estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, is a measurement used to determine how well the kidneys are functioning.

An eGFR below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m^2 indicates severe renal impairment. This severe level of kidney impairment is defined in regulatory documents as an absolute contraindication for using the medicine.

How should Lifecell be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Lifecell?

The official labeling defines specific conditions for storing and handling Lifecell (Urofollitropin and Lutein) to maintain product stability and safety.

Storage Conditions

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store the unused powder and capsules at controlled temperatures, typically 2 C to 25 C (36 F to 77 F).
Protection The product must be stored protected from light and kept in its original container until use.
Stability The injectable solution must be used immediately after reconstitution; any unused portion must be discarded and not saved.
Child Safety The medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children at all times.

Disposal Instructions

Used needles and syringes from the Urofollitropin component must be placed immediately in a dedicated, puncture-resistant sharps disposal container. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of via a community drug take-back program as the preferred method.

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

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