Cetrorelix Subcutaneous

Cetrorelixis a man-made hormone that blocks the effects of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH). GnRH controls another hormone that is called luteinizing hormone (LH), which is the hormone that starts ovulation during the menstrual cycle. When undergoing hormone treatment sometimes premature ovulation can occur, leading to eggs that are not ready for fertilization to be released. Cetrorelix does not allow the premature release of these eggs to occur.

cetrorelix is available only with your doctor's prescription.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For cetrorelix, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cetrorelix or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Geriatric

Cetrorelix is not intended for use in patients over the age of 65 years.

Pregnancy

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of cetrorelix. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney disease—May increase your chance of side effects from cetrorelix.

Take cetrorelix only as directed by your doctor. If you are to begin on Day 5, count the first day of your menstrual period as Day 1. Beginning on Day 5, take the correct dose every day for as many days as your doctor ordered. To help you to remember to take your dose of medicine, take it at the same time every day.

• Read the paper with information for the patient carefully.
• Understand and use the proper method of safely preparing the medicine.
• Wash your hands with soap and water and use a clean work area to prepare your injection.
• Make sure you clearly understand and carefully follow your doctor's instructions on how to give yourself an injection, including using the proper needle and syringe. Remember to change the site of injection to different areas to prevent skin problems from developing.
• Throw away needles, syringes, bottles, and unused medicine after the injection in a safe manner.

Tell your doctor when you use the last dose of cetrorelix . Cetrorelix often requires that another hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) be given as a single dose the day after the last dose of cetrorelix is given. Your doctor will give you cetrorelix or arrange for you to get cetrorelix at the right time.

Dosing

The dose of cetrorelix will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of cetrorelix. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For treatment of female infertility:
    • Adults—3 milligrams (mg) injected under the skin one time on Day 7 of your menstrual cycle, or 0.25 mg injected under the skin starting on Day 5 or 6 of your menstrual cycle and continuing until HCG administration occurs.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Store the 0.25 mg vials in the refrigerator. Store the 3 mg vials at room temperature.

It is very important that your doctor check you using ultrasound examination at regular visits to make sure that you are ready for injection with another drug (HCG) to induce ovulation.

Call your doctor immediately if you have taken more of the medication than your doctor ordered..

Nausea, headache, or pain/bruising/redness/swelling/itching at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during or after treatment. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. Get medical help right away if you develop the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or decreased urination.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.