Abstract
Background: Gonadotropin injections for fertility treatment regimens are usually self-injected, typically over 8 to 12 days during the assisted reproductive technology cycle. Parenteral gonadotropins are available in different formulations and administered through various systems. A user experience study and risk assessment were performed to evaluate different product types for risks to the patient when preparing and administering injections.
Methods: Nine women of child-bearing age each prepared and administered injections of six products representing single-and multidose vials of menotropin for reconstitution (Merional® and Menopur®), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) reusable pen injectors with (Puregon®) and without cartridges (Gonal-f®), and single-use FSH pre-filled pens (Bemfola®). Risk assessments based on user feedback were made with reference to EU regulations for implementing practices for safe use of injectable products.
Results: Products requiring reconstitution with diluent in glass ampoules were associated with medium risk for sharps injury and a lower level of user confidence. Pen injectors were considered easy-to-use, with a low risk of sharps injury. Single-use pens were associated with the lowest risk of dosing errors.
Conclusions: The study identifies differences in the risks for both sharps injuries and dosing errors between FSH delivery options that practitioners should consider when making a treatment choice.
Methods: Nine women of child-bearing age each prepared and administered injections of six products representing single-and multidose vials of menotropin for reconstitution (Merional® and Menopur®), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) reusable pen injectors with (Puregon®) and without cartridges (Gonal-f®), and single-use FSH pre-filled pens (Bemfola®). Risk assessments based on user feedback were made with reference to EU regulations for implementing practices for safe use of injectable products.
Results: Products requiring reconstitution with diluent in glass ampoules were associated with medium risk for sharps injury and a lower level of user confidence. Pen injectors were considered easy-to-use, with a low risk of sharps injury. Single-use pens were associated with the lowest risk of dosing errors.
Conclusions: The study identifies differences in the risks for both sharps injuries and dosing errors between FSH delivery options that practitioners should consider when making a treatment choice.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery |
Early online date | 13 Oct 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 13 Oct 2020 |