Follistim (Follitropin Beta) is an injectable fertility medication used for IVF and ovulation induction. Learn about uses, dosage, cost, and what to expect.
Follistim (Follitropin Beta) is an injectable prescription medication that stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. It's one of the most commonly used medications in fertility treatment, prescribed for IVF, IUI, and ovulation induction cycles.
If your doctor has recommended Follistim — or you're researching fertility medications — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, how it works, how it's taken, what it costs, and who shouldn't use it.
Here are the key facts:
Follistim AQ is a recombinant form of human FSH — meaning it's produced using recombinant DNA technology rather than being derived from human urine (like some older gonadotropin products). This gives it high purity and batch-to-batch consistency.
For a plain-English explanation of how it works in your body, see our mechanism of action guide.
Follistim has three FDA-approved uses:
For women who don't ovulate on their own (anovulation) — often due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — Follistim stimulates the ovaries to develop and release a mature egg. It's typically used after other treatments like Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) haven't worked.
In IVF and ICSI cycles, Follistim is used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs (instead of the single egg that develops in a natural cycle). More eggs mean more chances to create embryos, which improves the odds of a successful pregnancy.
Follistim can be prescribed to men with primary or secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (a condition where the body doesn't produce enough hormones to stimulate sperm production). It's used alongside hCG to help restore sperm production.
Follistim is also commonly used off-label for:
Follistim AQ is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection using the Follistim Pen — a reusable injection device similar to an insulin pen.
Follistim AQ comes in cartridges designed for use with the Follistim Pen:
Your fertility doctor will determine your specific dose based on your age, ovarian reserve, body weight, and how your ovaries respond to stimulation. You'll have frequent ultrasounds and blood tests (estradiol levels) during treatment so your doctor can adjust the dose.
Follistim AQ cartridges should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C). Once a cartridge is first used, it can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C) for up to 3 months, but should not be frozen.
Follistim is not safe for everyone. It's contraindicated in patients with:
Follistim also carries a boxed warning (the FDA's most serious safety warning) regarding the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), blood clots, and multiple pregnancies. It should only be prescribed by physicians experienced in infertility treatment. Read more about Follistim side effects and when to call your doctor.
Follistim is expensive. Here's what patients typically pay:
There's no generic version of Follistim available in the US because it's a biologic product.
Coverage varies significantly. Twenty US states have fertility insurance mandates, but not all require coverage of IVF medications. Many plans require prior authorization or use of specific specialty pharmacies. Some plans exclude fertility treatments entirely.
For a complete guide, see how to save money on Follistim.
Follistim is a well-established, FDA-approved fertility medication that plays a central role in IVF and other assisted reproduction protocols. It's effective, widely used, and has decades of clinical data behind it.
The biggest challenges are cost and availability. With no generic alternative and a price tag that can reach five figures per cycle, it's important to explore savings programs and plan ahead for pharmacy sourcing.
If you need help finding Follistim at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
