What is Bemfola?
Bemfola is a fertility medication containing follitropin alfa, a copy of the hormone FSH, used during IVF and ICSI to help the ovaries develop multiple eggs in one cycle.
Bemfola is a fertility medication that contains follitropin alfa, a copy of the hormone your body produces naturally, called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). We prescribe it during IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment to help your ovaries develop several eggs in a single cycle, rather than the one egg your body would normally release each month.
How does Bemfola work?FSH is the hormone responsible for growing egg-containing follicles in your ovaries. Bemfola works in the same way as your body's own FSH, encouraging multiple follicles to develop during a single treatment cycle. This gives us more eggs to work with at collection, which means more opportunities to create healthy embryos.
How is it given?Bemfola comes as a pre-filled pen and is given as a daily injection under the skin, usually in the stomach or thigh. Your clinical team will show you how to do this safely, and once you feel confident, most patients or their partners give the injections themselves at home.
Your dose is tailored to you and depends on things like your age, ovarian reserve, and how your body responds during treatment, so your team will monitor you closely throughout and adjust it if needed. Never change your dose without speaking to your clinical team first.
Is Bemfola the same as other fertility medications?Bemfola is a biosimilar medicine, meaning it's built to work in the same way as an existing, well-established fertility medication. Clinical studies have found it to be comparably safe and effective. Your consultant will recommend the medication that's the right fit for your treatment plan.
What should I know before starting?As with any fertility medication, Bemfola isn't suitable for everyone. Your clinical team will review your medical history before prescribing it, and you should always let them know about any allergies, current medications, or existing health conditions.
Some patients experience side effects during ovarian stimulation, such as mild bloating or discomfort. Rarely, medications like Bemfola can lead to a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Your clinical team will monitor you throughout your cycle and talk you through what to watch for, so you know when to get in touch.
If you have any questions about your medication, dosage, or how you're feeling during treatment, please speak with your clinical team. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bemfola used for? It's used during IVF and ICSI treatment to help your ovaries develop multiple eggs in a single cycle.
How do I take Bemfola? It's given as a daily injection under the skin, usually self-administered at home once you've been shown how by your clinical team.
Is Bemfola safe? Bemfola is a licensed fertility medication, prescribed and monitored by your clinical team throughout treatment.
Who decides my Bemfola dose? Your consultant sets your starting dose based on your individual profile and adjusts it as needed, based on how you respond during monitoring.