Cetrotide

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How does it work?

Cetrorelix is a medicine that opposes the action of lutenising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) and is used in the treatment of infertility. Lutenising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) is produced naturally in the body and acts on a part of the brain (pituitary gland), to stimulate the release of two other hormones that are involved in reproduction, lutenising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Follicle stimulating hormone is responsible for the development and maturation of eggs in the ovaries (female reproductive organ) and the lutenising hormone causes the release of the eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). Cetrorelix acts by competing with LHRH for receptors in the brain and thereby blocks the action of the hormone. As a result it prevents the production of lutenising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone and hence prevents or delays ovulation. This is exploited to prevent premature ovulation in assisted reproductive techniques or infertility treatments such as ovarian stimulation, to ensure a viable harvest of eggs. It is only used in specialist infertility centers.

What is it used for?

- Female infertility

Warning!

- For use only under specialist medical supervision
- There is a risk of an overstimulation of the ovaries, which can lead to serious adverse effects (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) with this treatment. Women undergoing the treatment must be carefully monitored to avoid this occurrence. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight gain.

Use with caution in

- No known conditions

Not to be used in

- Allergic reaction to mannitol
- Breastfeeding
- Moderate to severely decreased kidney function
- Moderate to severely decreased liver function
- Post-menopausal women
- Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine is not intended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Reactions at injection site
- Itching (pruritis)
- Redness around injection site
- Cough

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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