Luveris (lutropin alfa) is a fertility medication used to stimulate egg development and maturation. According to Drugs.com, it is a follicle stimulating hormone therapy that increases your chances of becoming pregnant. Typically, this medication is used with another fertility drug called follitropin alfa, says Drugs.com. Luveris is available as an injection. Your doctor will instruct you on how to mix the solution. Inject Luveris as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
Luveris can typically cause pain, redness and swelling at your injection site. It can also cause a wide array of breast and gynecological problems. According to Drugs.com, it can cause pelvic pain, pelvic swelling or pressure. These symptoms are typical signs of an enlarged ovary. Luveris may cause breast pain. It may also cause alopecia (hair loss), nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness and flatulence (gas). Other side effects are fever, chills, menstrual irregularities and tachycardia (a fast heartbeat). These effects are usually not fatal but inform your doctor when these symptoms remain for about three days. She may decrease the frequency of your Luveris injections.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com indicates that Luveris can cause a potentially life threatening condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition is characterized with severe pelvic pain, edema (swelling) of your legs and hands, stomach swelling and trouble breathing. Luveris also increases your chances of a multiple birth. This may pose a risk to your life, especially if you are small in stature and are pregnant with two to even eight babies. The Mayo Clinic indicates that Luveris can lead to such bothersome effects as inflammation, infection, itching and skin discoloration. Notify your doctor immediately when you have these side effects and discover that you are pregnant. Your doctor will discontinue Luveris and prescribe a safer fertility drug for you.
Additional Concerns
You must avoid Luveris if you are allergic to it. It can be fatal if it causes breathing difficulties, hives and angioedema (swelling of facial and neck areas like your lips, tongue and throat). Call 911.
Prior to taking Luveris, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have gynecological problems such as vaginal bleeding and ovarian cysts or have a history of cancer or tumors of the breast, ovary, uterus or hypothalamus, says Drugs.com. Luveris may worsen these symptoms.
You must avoid Luveris if you are pregnant, because it can cause birth defects. It is unknown whether Luveris passes into breast milk, but let your doctor know if you intend to nurse your baby.
