MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS  -- Gonal-F (Subcutaneous (SQ) injection)

There are three presentations of Gonal-F are still available:

• Prefilled Pens in 300 IU, 450 IU, and 900 IU doses
• 450 IU Multi-dose vial
• Single dose 75 IU vials

If you receive the “PEN”, you will be given a separate handout on the proper use and administration of this medication. 

Self Administering Gonal-F Pen Instructions (Abobe Reader required)

If you are using Multi-Dose Vials:

Gonal-F Multi-Dose Vial Instructions (Abobe Reader required)

If you are using Individual Vials:

Gonal-F Individual Vial Instructions (Abobe Reader required)

DRAWING UP THE MEDICATION

Individual 75 IU vials are ALSO available for Gonal-F.  Each vial contains powder with 75 IU of drug come with a vial of diluent (fluid).  Please be sure to double-check your dosage prior to drawing up medication.  You may combine up to 450 IU of medication in one cc (1 cc = 1 ml), and you may mix any of these medications in a single injection.  You may follow the following instructions as below or dowload the following PDF file, whichever is easier for you.  

Please follow these steps to draw up these medications:

• Wash your hand.
• Flip off the plastic cap from the number of vials of medicated powder to make up your dose. 
• You can dilute up to 6 vials (450 IU) in 1 cc of diluent.
• Wipe the rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab before inserting the needle into the vial(s).
• Using a 3 cc syringe with an 18-guage (21G or 22G), 1 ½ inch needle; draw up 1 cc of diluent by tilting the vial.  Insert the needle into the liquid.
• Slowly empty the diluent into the first vial of powder.  Aim the needle at the side of the vial. You can gently rotate the vial to mix the medication.
• Remove the dilute medication from the first vial by once again tilting the vial to remove the liquid and inject contents into the second vial of medication.  Repeat the above steps as needed to draw up the total dose amount ordered by you physician.  Be sure to keep the tip of the needle within the liquid while withdrawing.
• Change to a 30-gauge ½ inch needle after all the medication is drawn up into the syringe and before injection into skin.
• If air bubbles appear in the syringe, hold the syringe with the needle pointing up and gently tap on the syringe.  When all the bubbles float to the top, slowly press the plunger until a drop of liquid begins to appear to the top of the needle.
• Follow instructions for subcutaneous injection.

INJECTING THE MEDICATION

Please follow these steps:

• Choose an injection site (see injection sites below) and cleanse with alcohol.  Wait a few seconds until alcohol has dried on skin. 
• Remove cap from needle.
• Gently pinch skin and insert the needle quickly at a 90-degree angle in the skin as far as it will go.  Inject the medication and hold for 3-5 seconds before removing the needle.
• Remember to alternate injection site with each injection.

Note: If the uncovered needle touches any surface other that the inside of the medication vial prior to injection, it is contaminated.  Twist off needle and replace with a sterile needle.  Use all needles and syringes for 1 injection only then promptly discard carefully in your ‘sharps container’.

Injection sites for subcutaneous injections (SQ)

Upper-outer-front quadrant of thigh.                        Lower abdomen (U shaped area below the belly button). Undersurface of the upper arm.