Fertility - Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question or scroll down to get the answers you need.

What is the difference between a “cc” and an “ml”?
How much water do I use to mix the Novarel, or Pregnyl (HCG)?
Should I use up all of one diluent (water) before I use another one?
When I mix several vials into one shot, I end up with less volume to give my shot than when I started out, am I doing it wrong?
The volume of the medicine in my Follistim AQ or Gonal-f pen shot seems so small. Am I getting my full dose?
What happens if I dial my Follistim AQ dose and give the shot, but the pen stops before it reaches zero?
Do I need to prime my Gonal-f pen before every dose?
I have dialed my dose on the Gonal-f pen, but when I pull the injection button out, my dose arrow does not show on the dosage confirmation scale (the red arrows and numbers). What does this mean?
Can I return any leftover medication I may have?
Does my medication need to be refrigerated?

Q: What is the difference between a “cc” and an “ml”?

A: They are the same, 1 cc = 1 ml

Q: How much water do I use to mix the Novarel, or Pregnyl (HCG)?

A: The vial contains 10 ml, you only need to use 1 ml.

Q: Should I use up all of one diluent (water) before I use another one?

A: No. You should always use a new diluent (water) every time you mix a shot.

Q: When I mix several vials into one shot, I end up with less volume to give my shot than when I started out, am I doing it wrong?

A: No, it is impossible to get every last drop out of each vial/amp. Just do the best you can!

Q: The volume of the medicine in my Follistim AQ or Gonal-f pen shot seems so small. Am I getting my full dose?

A: Yes, the medication in the Follistim AQ and Gonal-f pen is very concentrated, so it does seem like a small volume compared to some other drugs that require mixing.

Q: What happens if I dial my Follistim AQ dose and give the shot, but the pen stops before it reaches zero?

A: The Follistim pen will stop when your cartridge is empty. For instance, if your full dose is 150 IU, and the pen reads 50 IU when it stops, this means that you simply load a new cartridge and give a second shot of just 50 IU in order to ensure you receive your full dose. Also remember if you accidentally dial past your dose, dial all the way to the end and start over. NEVER dial backwards, or you will waste medication.

Q: Do I need to prime my Gonal-f pen before every dose?

A: You only need to prime the first time you open each new pen and begin using it.

Q: I have dialed my dose on the Gonal-f pen, but when I pull the injection button out, my dose arrow does not show on the dosage confirmation scale (the red arrows and numbers). What does this mean?

A: The last arrow that is showing will tell you how much medication is left in your pen. You can either open a new pen and dial your entire dose, or give what is left in your current pen, then open a new pen and dial the remaining units and give what is left in a second shot.

Q: Can I return any leftover medication I may have?

A: Fortunately both Federal and Alabama State Law prohibit this practice. The laws state that once medication is dispensed from a pharmacy, it cannot be returned. This is for your safety and also serves to insure product quality. You can be assured that medication you receive from us has never been in any other patient’s possession. This greatly reduces any chance of improper storage or product tampering.

Q: Does my medication need to be refrigerated?

A: Most of it does not need to be refrigerated; however, the following items do require refrigeration:

Cetrotide 0.25mg (the 3.0mg kit does not require refrigeration)

Micro-Dose Leuprolide 40 mcg/0.2ml (not the Leuprolide/Lupron 2week kit)

Sildenafil 25mg suppositories

Follistim AQ (refrigeration recommended only until you insert it in the pen, once the cartridge is punctured, it may be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days)

Gonal-f pens (refrigeration recommended only until you puncture with a pen needle, then it may be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days)

If you have other questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to call us using the numbers listed above. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or you can page us after hours at 1-205-770-4809 (Birmingham patients leave off the area code). When paging us, please enter both your area code and your phone number and one of our Pharmacists will call you right back!