Cetrorelix injection

What is a cetrorelix injection?

CETRORELIX (Cetrotide™) is a drug used to regulate hormone responses during medication treatments for infertility in women. This medication is given under the direct care of a fertility specialist. Generic cetrorelix injection is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive cetrorelix?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cetrorelix, mannitol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant (cetrorelix should not be used if you are already pregnant)

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

You will be receiving this medication as an injection under the skin; it is used along with other fertility drugs. A health care professional will give your doses in your fertility doctor's clinic or you may be taught how to inject your own doses at home. Follow the directions for your prescription exactly.

The timing of all the fertility drugs in relation to each other is very important. Your fertility specialist will inform you of the days that you will need to receive this medication. They will tell you how they will monitor your progress.

This medicine is for use by adults only. This medicine is not used in children.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose, as the success of your fertility treatments depends on proper use of this medication, and fertility treatments are expensive. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you are giving your own injections, do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with cetrorelix?

• cimetidine

• herbal or dietary supplements, like black cohosh, chasteberry, or DHEA

• methyldopa

• metoclopramide

• prasterone

• some medicines for mood or mental problems

• reserpine

Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications.

What should I watch for while taking cetrorelix?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress and discuss any issues before you start taking cetrorelix.

Your prescriber will need to monitor your hormone levels in your blood and use an ultrasound to check your response to cetrorelix treatment. Try to keep any appointments for testing; the timing of these tests in relation to taking your medication may be important.

Stop taking cetrorelix at once and contact your prescriber or health care professional if you think you are pregnant.

Drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking tobacco may decrease chances of becoming pregnant. Talk with your health care professional about not drinking alcohol and decreasing tobacco use during your fertility treatments.

What side effects may I notice from receiving cetrorelix?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• nausea and vomiting along with severe abdominal pain

• pelvic pain or bloating

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

More Common:

• headache

• hot flashes (flushing of skin, increased sweating)

• itching, redness or mild pain at the site of the injection

• mild nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store Cetrotide™ 0.25 mg injection in the refrigerator at 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F). Store Cetrotide™ 3 mg injection at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F).

Protect all injections from from direct light and heat; keep in the packaged tray and inside the carton until ready to use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date; ask your health care professional about the proper disposal of used syringes.