What is Cetrotide and How Does It Help in Fertility Treatment?

Fertility problems can arise for a number of reasons. Some women have issues becoming pregnant due to their ovulation cycle beginning prematurely. Cetrotide is a fertility medicine that uses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to prevent eggs from being released prematurely.

In women, GnRH promotes healthy levels of progesterone and oestrogen while also stimulating egg development and facilitating its release. When the body does not have sufficient of these vital hormones, an egg may be released before it has fully matured in the ovary.

Cetrotide is frequently used during in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. This process involves extracting healthy eggs and fertilising them using the male partner's sperm within a laboratory setting. Cetrotide allows time for your eggs in the ovary to grow properly and mature before they are harvested for IVF.

This page discusses about Cetrotide injection, why it is used in fertility treatment, and more.

What is Cetrotide?

Cetrotide is a prescription drug given to women receiving controlled stimulation treatment as a part of in-vitro fertilisation.

It contains the active ingredient- cetrorelix acetate.

The medication is administered as a subcutaneous injection (given just beneath the skin) and helps prevent a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels that can lead to premature ovulation. Cetrorelix injection slows premature ovulation, giving the egg more time to develop properly, which is important for a successful IVF.

How Cetrotide Works

The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH. It signals the pituitary gland, prompting the release of two hormones, namely follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, that are responsible for the stimulation of the ovaries to produce and release eggs.

Cetrotide is an artificial protein that functions as a GnRH antagonist. This implies that it slows down the pituitary gland and prevents the premature release of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. This allows fertility specialists to control ovulation timing more precisely. This is crucial because, if ovulation happens too early during fertility treatment, the eggs may be unsuitable for fertilisation.

Cetrotide prevents premature ovulation by preventing the release of eggs too early, ensuring that eggs are matured properly till they are retrieved for fertilisation.

It is important to note that Cetrotide can also be utilised for uses other than those indicated in this drug guide.

How is Cetrotide given or administered?

Cetrotide is administered via injection. It is often injected subcutaneously, meaning just beneath the skin of the abdominal region (lower part, a few inches below the navel).

Since the cetrorelix injection must be administered daily, most doctors recommend giving it on different sides of the belly to avoid soreness.

The recommended dosage varies from woman to woman and is determined by various parameters such as overall health, body weight, and any other medicines being taken, among other factors.

Dosage for Cetrotide

Typically, on cycle days 2 or 3, ovarian stimulation therapy begins with gonadotropins such as follicle stimulating hormone or Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG). The gonadotropin dose is modified based on individual responses.

Cetrotide can be administered subcutaneously, either as once-daily dosage of 0.25 mg or single 3 mg dosage, all through the early to mid-follicular phase.

It is important to note that Cetrotide is a prescription drug should be strictly taken under the supervision of your fertility specialist, and should not be self-administered.

Cetrotide Benefits

Cetrotide offers several benefits compared to earlier drugs used to prevent early ovulation. It does not have a 'flare phase'. This means the medicine begins suppression of hormone synthesis in the pituitary gland shortly after administration. As a result, it does not need to be started long before other fertility medications. In most circumstances, it can be administered for under a week, which means fewer Cetrotide doses are required for each cycle of treatment. In addition, the likelihood of side effects is also minimal.

Cetrotide Side Effects and Risks

If you develop any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, get emergency medical attention.

• Rash or hives
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling light-headed
• Swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue

Some women who take this medication can develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, particularly after the first dose. It can be a life-threatening disorder. If you experience any of the below-listed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away:

• Pain in stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Rapid weight gain (particularly in the face and midriff)
• No urination
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath, particularly while lying down.

Common side effects include the following:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Bruising
• Swelling in the area where the medication was injected.

This is not a full list of potential side effects. If you observe any other symptoms not listed above, please consult your doctor.

Precautions While taking Cetrotide

Before starting on Cetrorelix injection, your doctor will ask you about your allergy history. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other GnRH medications or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive chemicals, which may trigger an allergic reaction or other issues.

Your doctor will also ask about your medical history. Tell your doctor about your medical history, particularly the following:

• History of severe allergic reactions
• Kidney Problems

If you are pregnant, avoid using this medicine. This medicine should not be taken when pregnant. If you suspect that you're pregnant, consult your doctor about the risks and benefits.

It is unclear whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not advised while taking this medication because of the potential risk to the child. Please with consult your healthcare provider.

Contraindications to Cetrotide

Cetrotide should not be used by women who are allergic or hypersensitive to the drug's active component, any of its ingredients, or GnRH analogues.

Additionally, it is not recommended in these cases:

• Women who are or are suspected to be pregnant or are pregnant
• Postmenopausal women
• breastfeeding women
• Women having a high tendency to allergies
• Renal impairment (severe)

Cetrotide for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Using Cetrotide whilst you are pregnant can result in birth abnormalities, stillbirth, or miscarriage. Therefore, refrain from using it if you are currently pregnant. You may require a negative test for pregnancy before commencing this treatment.

It is unclear whether Cetrotide enters breast milk or whether it can affect a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medication.

Is Cetrotide Recommended for Everyone having IVF?

Cetrotide's primary role is to prevent early ovulation, which is an important step in the IVF procedure. However, the way towards successful fertilisation is complex. Each person has different responses to drugs, necessitating a unique treatment approach. Consequently, doctors often consider substitutes for Cetrotide, including:

• GnRH agonists, which provide a different mode of action.
• Other drugs based on the patient's individual medical history and response patterns.

In addition, while Cetrotide facilitates the precise timing of ovulation, this precision is not without drawbacks, particularly in the administration. Cetrorelix injections require meticulous scheduling. Furthermore, Cetrotide can be considerably more costly than other alternatives. As a result, engaging in a thorough discussion with one's doctor becomes critical. Such conversations should include:

• The person's medical history
• Individual preferences for treatment
• Understanding the Possible Side Effects

Finally, the decision for using Cetrotide during an IVF process needs to be made collaboratively. This ensures that the chosen path is appropriate to the patient's situation and IVF goals, emphasising the necessity of a personalised treatment approach on the path to parenthood.

Conclusion

Cetrotide is a key component of modern reproductive therapies, notably IVF protocols. Cetrotide increases the odds of successful fertilisation and pregnancy by preventing early ovulation and providing precise control over the timing of egg retrieval. While the road of fertility treatment is often complicated and emotionally difficult, medications such as Cetrotide offer hope and support to numerous couples and individuals seeking their dream of being parents. As with any sort of medical therapy, it is essential to maintain open communication with your fertility specialist, follow recommended protocols, and obtain help as needed. Cetrotide can serve as beneficial in the process of starting a family if used correctly.

FAQs

What are the uses of Cetrotide?

Cetrotide is used in women for certain fertility treatments. This medication prevents eggs from being released too early (premature ovulation) by inhibiting the GnRH hormones that allow eggs to be released from the ovary. This results in an increased time for eggs to mature appropriately.

How many days do you need to take Cetrotide?

The duration of Cetrotide varies with each egg retrieval. It depends on how quickly your eggs develop and mature within your ovaries. Depending on the ultrasound scans, your provider may be able to provide you with an appropriate number of days.

How is cetrorelix injection administered?

Your fertility specialist or nurse will administer this medication. It is firmly advised not to self-administrate this medication.

Can I undergo IVF if I am intolerant to Cetrotide?

Yes. If you are allergic to Cetrotide, there are other medications and protocols for IVF treatment that will not impact the success of the IVF procedure. Talk to your fertility doctor to choose the best technique and medications for your specific case.

What are the possible negative effects of Cetrotide?

Some of the side-effects include:

• Swelling in the lower part of the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden or rapid gain of weight
• Reduced urination
• Redness
• Itching
• Rashes
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling dizzy
• Headache

Which medications and foods should be avoided during my treatment with Cetrotide?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for any limitations on meals, drinks, or activities.