Follistim Pen Questions

[Julie929a]

I will be starting the follistim injections this cycle. I think I have a good understanding of everything, but the nurse didn't cover many of the things I had read in the pamplet that came with the pen, so I just wanted to double check with someone that has been here before.

The follistim cartridge has to be refrigerated. Once the first injection is given it can stay at room temp for up to 28 days. (Is this right???)

The cartridge can be stored in the pen???

The follistim should be a room temp for the injection???


Inserting a new cartridge and getting the air out? I don't want to waste any of the meds?

Once it has been at room temp for several days can you store it back in the fridge for next cycle?

How many day do you typically do the shots?

[wanabb]

I store it in the fridge all the time, but i let mine get to room temp before I inject, this makes it hurt less.  it only takes about ten minutes usually to reach temp.  
I leave my cartridge in the pen until empty.
Every time you do an injection you need to get the air out, it's easy if you hold the pen upright with the needle attached and dosage dialed just gently push the end until a tiny drop forms on the top.  Don't be too concerned about losing the tiny drop they overfill them for that reason for example my last 300iu pen I got 450iu out of it.  
As for the days it really depends on follicle size I have taken it as little as three days or as much as 12.  Good luck hopefully this one works!

[babywanted556]

I'm always store the cartridge in the fridge at all times.  It should not be a matter to store it in the pen or take it out.  Good luck.

[docsaf]

the first time I used Follistim I kept it in the fridge the entire time - even after I used it. Once I loaded the cartridge, I did not take it out of the pen. The last time I used Follistim I got pregnant before the cartridge was done, but I intended to keep it in the pen until the cartridge was empty. The first time I used Follistim I used it for 7 days and then coasted the rest of the cycle b/c I had too many similar sized follicles and my RE wanted to the small ones to stop growing. My RE won't do an IUI if there are too many mature follicles - prefers 3, max 4. I think the duration of treatment depends on how well you respond. One of my friends was on the maximum dose for almost 2 weeks. I am TTC again and my RE has me starting the injections on CD4 instead of CD2. I'm not sure if this will make a difference. Good luck!

[butterflybabies]

Hi,
I was told by my nurse that you can store the cartridge in the pen and it has to be stored in the fridge at all times.(even after you use it the first time)..and you dont have to wait for it to get to room temp for the injection.
I had the injections once a day for like 10 days..
Hope that helps and I would phone your doc office just to double check what they want you to do.
Good Luck!