Chemistry - Follicle stimulating hormone-pituitary (FSH-P ) is available commercially as a lyophilized powder. It is obtained from the pituitary glands of food producing animals. Reportedly, FSH-P may also have small amounts of luteinizing hormone present.
One mg of FSH-P = 1 Armour Unit. One Armour Unit, however, can contain from 9.4 - 14.2 International Units (IU) of FSH. When using to induce estrus in the bitch, one clinician (Barton and Wolf 1988) recommends contacting the manufacturer to determine how many IU of FSH are contained per Armour Unit in the lot number of the product obtained.
Storage/Stability/Compatibility - FSH-P should be stored at room temperature; protect from light, heat and moisture. After reconstituting, the manufacturer (Schering) recommends disposing of any unused drug, but it has been reported that it is relatively stable in the frozen state after reconstitution.
Pharmacology - FSH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland by the same cells that produce luteinizing hormone (LH). Its actions include stimulation of follicular growth and estrogen production in the female, and spermatogenesis in the male.
Uses/Indications - Although labeled for “use in cattle, horses, swine, sheep and dogs as a supplemental source of FSH when there is a general deficiency”, its primary use in veterinary medicine has been to induce follicular growth for the purposes of superovulation and out-of-season breeding.
Pharmacokinetics - No specific information was located.
Contraindications/Precautions - FSH should not be used in animals with preexisting endometrial hyperplasia or follicular cysts.
Adverse Effects/Warnings - Cystic endometrial hyperplasia, undesired superovulation and follicular cysts are all potential adverse effects with FSH therapy. High dosages and prolonged treatment increase the likelihood of these effects developing.
Although not reported, hypersensitivity reactions are potentially possible with this product.
Overdosage - No specific information was located; refer to Adverse effects section above.
For labeled indications (FSH deficiency):
a) 10 - 50 mg IV, IM or SQ (Package Insert; F.S.H.-P. —Schering)
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times -
Veterinary-Approved Products: Note: The ongoing availability of FSH-P products has been reported to be an issue; these products may or may not be avialable in the marketplace. Check with suppliers for more information.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone-Pituitary (FSH-P) lyophilized powder for reconstitution and injection. Each vial contains 50 mg Armour Standard and is packaged with one 10 ml vial of diluent (sodium chloride injection).; F.S.H.-P . (Schering) (Rx) Approved for use in cattle, horses, swine, sheep, and dogs.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone Each vial contains 75 mg NIH-FSH-S1 Standard and is packaged with one 10 ml vial of buffered diluent .; Super-OV® (AUSA Int.) (Rx) Approved for use in cattle. No milk or meat withdrawal periods are required when used as directed.
Human-Approved Products: None
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