Causes & Treatment
Meet your meds, with the IVF support app to know – Part 1: Follistim
Emma Harpham in partnership with Pixel Care | 15 Apr 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by IVF injection names and wondering what each one actually does? You’re in the right place as we kick off our brand new mini-series on IVF meds – breaking down the what, why, and how behind the most commonly prescribed medications.
These are the same meds TRB Founder Eloise had on her protocol during her final IVF cycle in 2023, so we know how much there is to learn. With this in mind, we’ve partnered with the expert pharmacists and nurses at Pixel Care to answer some of the most asked questions and share tips that make navigating your meds a little less stressful.
Starting IVF in 2025? The Pixel Care fertility treatment app is packed with support to help you feel more in control of your meds and your journey. Download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today.
Now over to the Pixel Care team, for your Follistim mini-Q&A.
Follistim Q&A
1. How does Follistim work?
Follistim is a type of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Your body naturally produces FSH to encourage one follicle to grow each month, which can then produce a mature egg. But during IVF, the goal is to get multiple follicles to grow at once, so you’ll be given a much higher amount of FSH than your body would make on its own.
Each follicle contains an immature egg. When follicles are exposed to FSH, they grow, and the eggs mature inside. As they grow, they also produce estradiol (a form of estrogen). The more the follicles grow, the more mature the eggs become – and only mature eggs can be fertilized.
2. What is the most common dosage?
Follistim dosage depends on your body and your diagnosis.
For IVF, it typically ranges from 150 to 450 IU (international units).
For an IUI cycle, it’s often closer to 75 IU. Your fertility clinic will determine the best dose for you based on your response, labs, and treatment goals.
3. How quickly does Follistim work?
Some people start seeing follicle growth by their second monitoring ultrasound. Others take longer – and that’s completely normal.
Your clinic will review your bloodwork and scan results to see how you’re responding and might adjust your dose up or down.
4. What should we know about side effects?
Follistim side effects can include headache, nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Some people also notice injection site discomfort. Be sure to report any side effects to your clinic, even if they seem minor.
There’s also a risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which can happen if your estradiol levels get too high. OHSS can cause fluid to shift into your abdomen, making you feel quite unwell. To reduce your risk after retrieval, drink extra fluids and follow any dietary tips your nurse gives you (salty snacks like ramen and chips are sometimes encouraged to help your body hold onto fluid in the right places).
It’s worth knowing that OHSS has become less common in recent years thanks to improved monitoring and medication management. And if you do develop it, it usually resolves when your period arrives post-retrieval.
Another rare risk is ovarian torsion. As your ovaries grow larger from multiple follicles, they can become heavy and twist on their supporting ligament. This is a medical emergency, as it can cut off blood flow to the ovary. Walking is fine, but to lower your risk, avoid high-impact exercise, twisting, or bouncing movements.
5. What happens if you take too much Follistim?
It’s rare, but if you accidentally take too much, let your clinic know right away. Even small medication errors can impact your protocol, and your care team may want to adjust your plan moving forward.
6. What happens if Follistim freezes?
Follistim should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it accidentally freezes, the drug’s structure may be damaged and could make it less effective.
If this happens, place it in the fridge immediately and contact your pharmacy. They can connect with the manufacturer, who will advise you on next steps based on how long it was frozen.
7. Any top tips for getting to grips with Follistim?
If you accidentally dial past your dose on the pen, don’t dial back down while the needle is on.
Doing this can cause medication to leak out.
Instead, dial all the way to the top and push down completely to reset, then dial up to your correct dose.
Follistim support, in your pocket
Follistim can feel like a lot to get your head around – but you’re not expected to figure it all out on your own, thanks to the Pixel Care team.
The Pixel Care app has built-in video tutorials for each medication in your treatment regimen. Just tap any medication you’re prescribed to view them and access FAQs and schedule a 1:1 video call with a fertility nurse or pharmacist to review all your medications or get live injection support.
You can also use the app to track every dose – just tap “Mark as Administered” to stay on top of your meds and know exactly how much you have left.
Download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today. Remember, you can also use code TRB when creating your Pixel Care account to receive a free fertility coaching session right now!
Ready to learn about your next medication? Read up here – part 2 is all about Menopur.
