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Background of the Follistim Pen®

This pen injector is an adapted insulin pen, which offers a safe, accurate and discreet method of self-injection.

This innovative method of delivering FSH makes the process go smoothly, because the medicine is already mixed and the patient just has to dial the correct dose and give themselves an injection. Also, the microneedle and small volume of medication may contribute to patient tolerability of the injection.  In a survey conducted in 75 US fertility centers, healthcare providers were asked to rate the attributes that would cause them to recommend the Follistim Pen.  Over 90% of respondents agreed that the most important factors were the ability of patients to dose accurately, ease of use, and convenience.

(Butler A, Maamari R, Moffit D, Mahony M. “Evaluation of the patient acceptability of the Follistim Pen® the self-administration of follitropin beta in women undergoing IVF.” Fertil Steril 2005; 83 (5, suppl 2): S23.)

Benefits of the Follistim Pen®

• Unique fingertip “dial-a-dose” feature – it is simple to dial and inject the accurate dose every time.
• Completely portable – fits discreetly into purse.
• BD Micro-Fine™ Pen Needle provides a comfortable injection.

Using the Follistim Pen®

The Follistim Pen® is an accurate injection device. In two clinical trials, one for women undergoing ovulation induction and the other for IVF, patients found the Follistim® AQ Cartridge and the Follistim Pen® to be easy to use and convenient.^1,2  The special features allow you to inject Follistim® AQ Cartridge safely, easily and effectively. With the Follistim Pen® you simply follow an easy 3-stage process:

• Ready: Insert premixed Follistim® AQ Cartridge into the Follistim Pen® and attach the BD Micro-Fine™ Pen Needle.

• Set: Dial your prescribed dose.

• Inject: Push injection button to administer medication.

The first steps section explains in more detail how to load the Follistim Pen® with Follistim® AQ Cartridge, how to dial the prescribed dose, and how to give yourself an injection using the Follistim Pen®.
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1 Pang, S. et al.  “Administration of recombinant  human FSH (solution in cartridge) with a pen device in women undergoing ovarian stimulation.” RBM online 7(3): 319-326, 2003.

2 Kettel LM. et al. “Evaluation of a pen device for self-administration of recombinant human FSH in clomiphene citrate-resistant anovulatory women undergoing ovulation induction.” RBM online 9(4): 373-380, 20034.