The IVF medication Cetrotide is the brand name for the generic drug Cetroelix, which used for many purposes. A synthetic decapeptide, Cetrotide can be used to treat hormone sensitive cancers of the prostate and breast, in some benign gynaecological disorders (endometriosis, uterine fibroids and endometrial thinning), and well as for women undergoing fertility treatment in controlled ovarian stimulation.
How Cetrotide Works
Its main purpose in the IVF process is to control hormone levels by blocking the natural hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone-GnR. GnRH controls the secretion of another hormone, called luteinizing hormone (LH), which induces ovation during the menstrual cycle. During hormone treatment for ovarian stimulation, premature ovulation may lead to eggs that are not suitable for fertilization, but Cetrotide prevents premature ovulation by giving the egg time to develop properly. Cetrotide is sometimes used in conjunction with hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
How should Cetrotide be used?
A health care professional should demonstrate how to properly administer Cetrotide subcutaneous injections, just below the skin in the lower abdomen wall. Follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct fluid provided with this medication.
Cetrotide is administered as either a multiple 0.25 mg daily injections or in a single-dose 3 mg injection. The duration of the 3 mg single dose is for four days. If the hCG is not administered within four days, a daily 0.25 mg dose is started and continued until hCG is given.
Side effects may include a mild and short-lasting reaction may occur at the injection site like reddening, itching, and swelling. Nausea and headaches have also been reported.
References
Cetrorelix. (2014, March 31). Retrieved from www.wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetrorelix
Cetrotide 0.25 mg. (2014, March 26). Retrieved from www.medicines.org: http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/8744
Drugs & Medications – cetrotide subq. (2005-2014). Retrieved from www.webmd.com: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-20403-cetrotide+subq.aspx?drugid=20403&drugname=cetrotide+subq
