CETROTIDE (CETRORELIX)

Cetrotide Description

If you are a woman having difficulties becoming pregnant, ask your doctor about assisted reproductive technologies, also known as ART. As long as you are able to ovulate, there is help available. Cetrotide is a GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) antagonist. This treatment involves injections of Cetrotide given just under your skin (subcutaneous or sub-q).

Usually the first injection will be administered by a medical professional in their office so you can be shown the proper procedure for mixing the medication, giving the injection, and where on your abdomen to inject it. After the first shot, you may be monitored for 30 minutes to watch for any adverse reactions.

How Does Cetrotide Work?

The active ingredient in Cetrotide is called Cetrorelix and it works to prevent premature ovulation while you are undergoing ovarian stimulation. Cetrotide blocks the effects of the GnRH as this hormone controls the actions of the luteinizing hormone (LH) that induces ovulation during your menstrual cycle. The result is the ability to control the release of a suitable egg for fertilization during the best possible time for a pregnancy to occur.

Conditions Treated by Cetrotide

It seems many women are waiting until a bit later in life to start a family. Financial planning, getting their career off to a good start, or maybe they did not meet the person they want to start a family with until later in life. Whatever the reason, the longer a women waits, the harder it may be to become pregnant naturally as the quality and quantity of your eggs is vital to your success. It is believed that all of the eggs a woman will have are present at birth. This means that as you age, so do your eggs.

Before You Administer Cetrotide

You must be certain that you are not pregnant at the time you begin your fertility treatments. You will need to discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including alternative medicine and naturopathic therapies. This will help your doctor determine if Cetrotide is the right drug for your situation.

Cetrotide Proper Use and Recommendations

There are no guarantees that any fertility treatment will result in a pregnancy. You may want to research the cost of different types of treatments there are available to you and the expected success rate for each. Speaking with a fertility specialist can help with your decision as well regarding cost, length of treatment, and the risk of multiple births.

Do not dispose of the needles, vials, or syringes from the Cetrotide treatment in your regular garbage, ask your pharmacist for a ‘sharps’ container that can returned to your drugstore for proper disposal. Keep all medications, needles and other paraphernalia out of children’s reach and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects of Cetrotide

• Nausea
• Headache
• Pain or bruising at injection sites