Comprehensive medication guide to Gonal F including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$50–$500+ copay per cycle depending on plan; prior authorization usually required and some plans exclude fertility treatments entirely.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$900–$1,500 per 900 IU Redi-ject pen; a typical IVF cycle costs $1,800–$6,000 total for Gonal F alone.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Gonal F (Follitropin Alfa) is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) manufactured by EMD Serono. It is a fertility medication used to stimulate the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in women undergoing fertility treatment, including ovulation induction and assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles such as IVF. Gonal F is also approved to induce spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Gonal F is administered as a subcutaneous injection, most commonly using the Redi-ject prefilled pen for convenient self-injection at home.
Gonal F works by mimicking the body's natural follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It binds to FSH receptors on granulosa cells in the ovary, promoting the growth and development of ovarian follicles and stimulating estradiol production. In women undergoing fertility treatment, this controlled ovarian stimulation allows the development of one or more mature eggs for ovulation induction or egg retrieval during IVF.
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In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Gonal F stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testes to support spermatogenesis (sperm production), typically in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Gonal-F RFF Redi-ject prefilled pen
300 IU, 450 IU, 900 IU
Gonal-F multi-dose vial (powder for reconstitution) — powder
450 IU, 1050 IU
Gonal-F RFF single-dose vial (powder for reconstitution) — powder
75 IU
Gonal F can be moderately difficult to find, particularly certain pen strengths like the 900 IU Redi-ject. As a biologic medication with specialized manufacturing, Gonal F has experienced periodic supply constraints. Specialty fertility pharmacies tend to have more reliable stock than general retail pharmacies. If your local pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate Gonal F at pharmacies near you.
Gonal F should only be prescribed by physicians experienced in infertility treatment who have access to appropriate monitoring facilities. The most common prescribers include:
No, Gonal F is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule and does not carry the same prescribing restrictions as controlled medications. However, because Gonal F is a potent biologic that requires careful medical monitoring (ultrasound and bloodwork) during treatment, it is only available by prescription and should be used under the close supervision of a fertility specialist.
Serious side effects include Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which can be life-threatening, multiple pregnancies, blood clots, and ovarian torsion. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, difficulty breathing, or decreased urination.
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Follistim AQ (Follitropin Beta)
Another recombinant FSH product with a similar mechanism of action, available as a prefilled cartridge for use with the Follistim Pen.
Menopur (Menotropins)
A highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin containing both FSH and LH activity, commonly used alongside or instead of recombinant FSH.
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)
An oral selective estrogen receptor modulator used for ovulation induction. A less expensive first-line option but less potent than injectable gonadotropins.
Letrozole (Femara)
An oral aromatase inhibitor commonly used off-label for ovulation induction, especially in women with PCOS. Much less expensive than gonadotropins.
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Clomiphene Citrate
moderateMay be used in combination but requires careful monitoring to avoid ovarian overstimulation
GnRH Agonists (e.g., Leuprolide/Lupron)
moderateUsed in some IVF protocols for pituitary suppression; dosing is coordinated by the fertility specialist
GnRH Antagonists (e.g., Ganirelix, Cetrorelix)
moderateUsed sequentially in ART protocols to prevent premature ovulation
hCG (Ovidrel, Pregnyl)
moderateUsed as a trigger shot after follicular development; timing is critical
Gonal F is a critical fertility medication for thousands of patients pursuing IVF, IUI, and other assisted reproductive treatments each year. While it is generally available through specialty fertility pharmacies, certain pen strengths can experience intermittent supply constraints due to its complex biologic manufacturing process. The high cost — often $1,800 to $6,000+ per IVF cycle — makes it essential to explore all coverage options, including insurance fertility benefits, EMD Serono's Compassionate Care Program, and specialty pharmacy pricing.
If you're having trouble finding Gonal F in stock at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you search pharmacies near you that currently have it available. Don't let a supply issue delay your treatment cycle.
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