title: Evaluation of the use and handling of three different pen systems considered for in vitro fertilization treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to assess and compare the features of the Bemfola, Gonal-f and Puregon injection pens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Females who intended to undergo hormonal treatment received the three different pens in a randomized, consecutive sequence. For each of the pens, the potential patients completed an Injection Pen Assessment Questionnaire, as well as a questionnaire comparing the handling, convenience and preference among the three pens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean score on the visual analogue scale (VAS) for the Bemfola pen (BP) was 77.8 ± 14.0; for the Puregon pen (PP), 72.1 ± 12.4; and for the Gonal-f pen (GP), 68.6 ± 16.4. The BP was superior to both competitor devices in pen size, inconspicuousness, ease of use and dose changing; no significant differences to both competitor pens were observed in the way the pen looks, the way the pen feels and the ease of injection of the volume. The 'overall' assessment was significantly better for the BP when compared to the GP (p = 0.0019), while no significant difference was observed between the BP and the PP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated significantly higher ratings for pen size, inconspicuousness, ease of use and dose adjustment for the BP compared to other marketed pens.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsspital Zürich , Frauenklinikstrasse 10, Zürich, 8091 Switzerland.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Imthurn
authors.forename: Enda
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McVeigh
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stiller
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pringle
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Irps
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rettenbacher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007267:Injections / Q000295:instrumentation; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012646:Self Administration / Q000295:instrumentation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C571801:follitropin alfa; C571802:follitropin beta
keywords: appearance and perception of Bemfola pen; overall ranking pen systems; preference and convenience of Bemfola pen