Announcing New IVF Medication Study
 
Abington Reproductive Medicine will be participating in a multicenter trial to assess if 200 IU of Follistim gives as consistent a response as 225 IU in normal responding IVF/ICSI patients.  Abington Reproductive Medicine will be one of 8 centers chosen in the country to participate in this landmark trial.
 
Traditionally, injectable infertility medications have been available only in 75 IU vials which contained a powder form of the medication (a recombinant form of the hormone FSH) and required reconstitution with water. This type of presentation (or packaging) carried potential difficulties for both physicians and patients: for patients, the mixing of medication is (was) quite stressful;  for physicians, selecting an appropriate dose was limited to 75 IU increments. This meant that some patients were overmedicated and experienced an over-response to the medication. Often, physicians would prescribe 1/2 doses (a 37.5 IU dose instead of a 75 IU dose), but since the "other half" could not be stored, this resulted in medication waste at the patient's expense.
 
Recently, a new pen device for the delivery of FSH was approved by the government (FDA) which helps alleviate these problems. There are multiple advantages to this new method of drug delivery:
1. the FSH hormone comes pre-mixed, pre-filled and ready to use (sold under the name Follistim AQ {R} )
2. dosing may now be made in 25 IU increments
3. using a micro-needle and a micro-volume of solution injected minimizes patient discomfort and pain
4. cartridges are multiple use and can be used for several days of injection
5. has an enhanced half-life
Additionally, the Follistim Pen {TM} for use with Follistim AQ {R} cartridges has been shown to deliver medication with greater efficiency than traditional syringes and needles. In this respect, several studies have shown 16-18% increased delivery of medication when compared to the same medication delivered via syringe; this resulted in patients having shorter stimulation therapies. In part, this enhanced drug delivery is due to not losing medication during reconstitution and within the syringe. This study is hoping to answer 2 questions:
1. To demonstrate the clinical value of a non-traditional dose of 200 IU, which is in-line with the manufacturer's and the government's (FDA) recommendations.
2. To investigate the practical value of 200 IU dose. This dose will allow a patient to obtain 3 doses of medication without changing a cartridge.
If you agree to participate, you will be randomized to one of two FSH dosages, either a 200 IU/day or a 225 IU/day dosing schedule. The Follistim and Antagon will be provided to you free of charge. Patients will be responsible for the cost of their IVF cycle and all related charges.

For more information, please call 215-481-4876.