Cetrotide injectable

Cetrorelix is a man-made form of a protein that blocks the effects of certain hormones in the body that control ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). If ovulation occurs too soon during fertility treatment, the eggs may not be suitable for fertilization. Cetrorelix works by preventing eggs from being released too early (premature ovulation).

Cetrorelix is used to prevent premature ovulation during controlled ovarian stimulation.

Cetrorelix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use cetrorelix if you have severe kidney disease, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine similar to cetrorelix (such as Lupron, Antagon, Zoladex, Synarel, Zoladex, or others).

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Cetrorelix is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Cetrorelix is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject cetrorelix. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

For best results, you will need to start using cetrorelix injections on a certain day of your cycle. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions about when to use this medicine, and at what time of day to give your injections.

As part of your fertility treatment, you will be treated with a second medicine called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). You will receive an hCG injection only on days when your ovaries are ready for controlled ovulation to occur.

You will need frequent ultrasound examinations to check your ovaries for signs of readiness for ovulation. This will help your doctor determine when to give your hCG injection.

Store cetrorelix in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine in its original carton to protect it from light. Throw away any medicine not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Other drugs may interact with cetrorelix, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Applies to cetrorelix: subcutaneous powder for solution

Along with its needed effects, cetrorelix (the active ingredient contained in Cetrotide) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cetrorelix:

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• continuing or severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• decreased amount of urine
• feeling of indigestion
• moderate to severe bloating
• pelvic pain, severe
• rapid weight gain
• shortness of breath
• swelling of lower legs

Some side effects of cetrorelix may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Headache
• injection site bruising, itching, swelling, or redness
• nausea