Elonva 100 and 150 micrograms solution for injection – corifollitropin alfa for ovarian stimulation (IVF)

Elonva contains corifollitropin alfa and belongs to the group of gonadotrophic hormones, which play an important role in fertility. It acts similarly to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which women need for the growth and development of follicles – small sacs in the ovaries that contain the eggs.

According to the leaflet, Elonva is used to achieve pregnancy in women being treated for infertility, for example by in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Through controlled ovarian stimulation it causes several follicles to grow and develop at the same time. It is given as a single injection under the skin, combined with a GnRH antagonist, under the supervision of a doctor experienced in treating infertility.

What is Elonva used for and how is it given correctly?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Elonva used for?

Elonva is used in women being treated for infertility, e.g. by in vitro fertilisation, for controlled ovarian stimulation – the simultaneous growth and development of several follicles. IVF involves collecting eggs from the ovaries, fertilising them in the laboratory and transferring embryos into the womb after a few days.

How is it given and dosed?

Elonva is used together with a GnRH antagonist (a medicine that prevents premature release of an egg); antagonist treatment usually starts 5–6 days after the Elonva injection. Combination with a GnRH agonist is not recommended.

• 100 micrograms: a single dose for women weighing up to 60 kg and aged 36 or younger.
• 150 micrograms: a single dose for women weighing more than 60 kg regardless of age, and for women weighing 50 kg or more who are older than 36.
• Women older than 36 weighing less than 50 kg have not been studied.

During the first seven days after the injection, (recombinant) FSH is not used; after seven days your doctor may continue stimulation with another gonadotrophin. When ultrasound shows enough follicles of the right size, hCG is given for final maturation and the eggs are collected 34–36 hours later.

The injection is given under the skin, into a skin fold, preferably just below the navel. It may be given by a healthcare professional or, after training, by your partner or yourself. The medicine must not be injected into a muscle.

Special patient groups

• Age and body weight: the dose is based on body weight and age (see dosage).
• Other conditions: before treatment tell your doctor about kidney disease, uncontrolled pituitary or hypothalamic problems, reduced thyroid or adrenal function, raised prolactin, diabetes, heart disease or another chronic illness, or if you have been told that pregnancy could be dangerous for your health.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

Do not use Elonva:

• if you are allergic to corifollitropin alfa or any of the excipients;
• if you have cancer of the ovary, breast, uterus or brain (pituitary or hypothalamus);
• if you have recently had unexpected vaginal bleeding of unknown cause that is not a period;
• if you have primary ovarian failure, ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries;
• with malformations of the sex organs or fibroid tumours of the uterus that make a normal pregnancy impossible;
• if you have a risk factor for OHSS: polycystic ovary syndrome, previous OHSS, more than 30 follicles of 11 mm or larger in a previous stimulation cycle, or a basal antral follicle count above 20.

Warnings and precautions

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): a serious condition in which the ovaries are overstimulated; in rare cases a severe form can be life-threatening. Your doctor monitors treatment by ultrasound and, if needed, blood hormone levels.
• Ovarian torsion: tell your doctor if you have had OHSS, abdominal surgery, a twisted ovary, cysts, or if you are pregnant.
• Blood clots: gonadotrophins (like pregnancy) increase the risk of thrombosis – tell your doctor if you have an increased risk, if you or a close family member have had thrombosis or if you are very overweight.
• Multiple pregnancy and birth defects: even with a single embryo transfer, twins or more are possible, which carry greater health risks; the risk of birth defects may also be related to characteristics of couples with infertility.
• Ectopic pregnancy: it is more likely, so your doctor rules it out with an early ultrasound.
• Tumours: ovarian and other reproductive tumours have been reported in women treated for infertility; it is not known whether fertility medicines increase this risk.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are using. If you do a pregnancy test during treatment, it may falsely show that you are pregnant – your doctor will tell you when you can start using pregnancy tests. If a test is positive, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Elonva is not used if you are already pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Driving and using machines

Elonva may cause dizziness; if you feel dizzy, do not drive or use machines.

Possible side effects

A possible complication of gonadotrophin treatment is ovarian hyperstimulation; the first symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhoea. Contact your doctor immediately if you have abdominal pain or other symptoms, even if they occur several days after the injection.

• Common (up to 1 in 10): OHSS, pelvic pain and discomfort, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, tiredness.
• Uncommon (up to 1 in 100): ovarian torsion, raised liver enzymes, miscarriage, pain after egg retrieval or during the procedure, premature ovulation, abdominal bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, back and breast pain, bruising or pain at the injection site, irritability, mood swings, dizziness, hot flushes.
• Not known: allergic reactions, local and generalised, including rash.
• Ectopic and multiple pregnancies have also been reported (considered related to the assisted reproduction procedure), and rarely thromboembolism, as with other gonadotrophins.

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Too much medicine: if you think you have used too much Elonva or (rec)FSH, contact your doctor immediately.
• Missed injection: if you forget the injection on the planned day, contact your doctor immediately and do not inject the medicine before consulting them.
• One dose per cycle: Elonva is given only once in the same cycle, as repeated use increases the risk of OHSS.

Related information

For questions about the stimulation protocol, injection timing and check-ups, contact your doctor and the team at the assisted reproduction centre where you are being treated.

Composition, pack and manufacturer

• Active substance: corifollitropin alfa – 100 micrograms or 150 micrograms in 0.5 mL of solution.
• Excipients: sodium citrate dihydrate; sucrose; polysorbate 20; L-methionine; water for injections; sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. The medicine is essentially sodium-free.
• Pack: 1 mL pre-filled syringe (type I glass, bromobutyl rubber plunger) with an automatic safety system against needle-stick injuries and one injection needle, in a carton.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Organon d.o.o., Milutina Milankovića 1i, Belgrade – Novi Beograd. Manufacturer: N.V. Organon, Kloosterstraat 6, Oss, the Netherlands.

Storage

• In the pharmacy: store in a refrigerator (2–8 °C), do not freeze.
• At home: in a refrigerator (2–8 °C) or below 25 °C for up to one month, protected from light – note the date it was taken out of the fridge. Keep the syringe in the original carton.
• Do not use if the medicine has been out of the fridge for more than a month or above 25 °C, if the solution is not clear or the syringe/needle is damaged. Shelf life: 3 years; keep out of the reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

How many Elonva injections are needed in one cycle?

Only one. According to the leaflet, Elonva is used once in the same cycle; seven days later your doctor may continue stimulation with another gonadotrophin if needed.

How does the doctor decide between 100 and 150 micrograms?

The dose depends on body weight and age: 100 micrograms for women up to 60 kg and up to 36 years, and 150 micrograms for women over 60 kg or women of 50 kg or more who are older than 36.

Can I inject Elonva myself?

Yes, if your doctor has trained you carefully – you can inject yourself or your partner can do it. It is injected under the skin, preferably below the navel, never into a muscle.

Why should I not do a pregnancy test right after treatment?

During treatment the test may falsely show a pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you when the right time for a test is.

Sources

• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, Elonva® 100 and 150 micrograms/0.5 mL solution for injection (SmPC, Serbian)
• ALIMS – Patient leaflet, Elonva® 100 and 150 micrograms/0.5 mL solution for injection (PIL, April 2022, Serbian)

Sources checked on: 25 October 2026.