[indianrain123]

Hello,

My wife will be starting her IVF injections in the next few weeks and I am trying to do some research on these 2 injectibles. Basically our doctor has given us a choice between Gonal-f and Follisim (both pens). He says both are exactly the same as far as efficacy and side-effects are concerned.

I would like your opinions on any recommendations. Also, in terms of injection pain is the pen less painless than normal syringe + vial combo? FYI : My wife is EXTREMELY scared of injections, so I am trying to make this as painless for her as possible.

Thanks in advance!

[indianrain123]

Can anyone recommend cost effective online pharmacies?

[Rob&Irina]

those two drugs are exactly the same, just made by two different manufacturers...
we used Freedom Drugs (on-line pharmacy)... they are great!

[lauriejill24]

I have done 2 cycles of IVF one with Gonal F and the other with Follistim. I had pretty much the same result with both. I used Freedom Drug the first time and 2nd time and this time around we are using Ascend drug. They have a discount program if you sign up for their e-mail newsletter.

[Mirthful]

I used follistim, and they are extremely easy to use and the needles are tiny! We used Alexander's Twin Pharmacy, and they were very good and helpful.

Kate

[WorldsGreatestAunt]

I am totally needle phobic and the Gonal F pen was super easy! The HCG shot that you take with clomid is way worse. This pen literaly goes in easy and clicks a couple times and you're done. Sometimes if I didn't put it in the fattiest area it stung a little but usually I hardly felt anything. Good luck!

[bq122]

Originally Posted by indianrain123

Hello,

My wife will be starting her IVF injections in the next few weeks and I am trying to do some research on these 2 injectibles. Basically our doctor has given us a choice between Gonal-f and Follisim (both pens). He says both are exactly the same as far as efficacy and side-effects are concerned.

I would like your opinions on any recommendations. Also, in terms of injection pain is the pen less painless than normal syringe + vial combo? FYI : My wife is EXTREMELY scared of injections, so I am trying to make this as painless for her as possible.

Thanks in advance!

I basically have to say just what every one else said.
But the main reason I am writing is to commend you on being a concern dh and trying to help your wife out as much as possible.
I am giving you a awesome pat on the back and you should be very proud of yourself.
Good luck..

[Passionscientist]

I used the Gonal-F pen my first cycle and the Follistim pen on the second cycle. Medicine wise they are exactly the same, but here are my pros/cons of them both for what it's worth!

Gonal-F Pen
Simple to use, no replacing of cartridges
Have to prime the pen each use though
Go through several pens instead of just one pen.

Follistim Pen
Uses cartridges in the pen that you have to replace (not a big deal, just another step).
Can get extra medication out of each cartridge which was nice.
Use one pen and just replace the refillable cartridge.
Came with a nice carrying case!

The needles are the same for both and really don't hurt at all...I gave myself all my shots in my stomach and never worried much after the first shot.

Good luck!

[charms]

we used gonal-f for our iui cycles, simple to use, but did not prodcue the follices we needed....i only got one or two each cycle along with clomid.

then the changed me to the follistim pen for my ivf cycle and had 25 eggs retrieved for IVF.

I actaully prefered the follistim cartridges to the gonal-f pen. with the cartridge, you spin the dial to the desired units and inject.
when we used gonal-f.....i had to inject several times based on unit delivered due to packaging of the meds.

[AngieInOH]

I'm using the Follistim Pen and wanted to add that it is almost painless. I was very nervous about doing it the first time. Stared at the darn thing for 20 min before I got brave enough to inject. After all that worry I didn't feel a thing.

I will add that I first tried giving the injection in my upper thigh and them moved to the abdomen. I like the abdomen better....(I have more padding there!)

[jenn516n]

In case you are still wondering...Gonal-f is the only one I have used and have had absolutely no problems with it. Through mu insurance company it is actually a little cheaper then the follistim too.