Medication Support

Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection)

Cetrotide®

Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection)

Cetrotide® is the first and only gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist that offers dosing simplicity and flexibility. It is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin). Cetrotide® is available in a 3mg single-dose regimen and a 0.25mg daily dose given on stimulation day five or seven, depending on the strength.

Why Cetrotide® is used

Cetrotide® helps control your body's hormonal responses, which affect the development of eggs. Specifically, Cetrotide® helps delay a hormonal event known as the "LH surge."

The LH surge is caused by a series of changes involving two hormones—gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). When GnRH is present, it triggers a dramatic rise, or surge in LH levels. However, if an LH surge occurs too early in a cycle, your eggs will be released before they're expected.

Cetrotide® works by directly blocking the trigger effect of GnRH. This blocking action stops the premature LH surge in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation before they begin. In doing so, this allows eggs to reach the level of development needed for fertilization.

Ask your healthcare provider if Cetrotide® is right for you.

Important Considerations: Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection) is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Cetrotide should be prescribed by physicians who are experienced in fertility treatment. Cetrotide® is contraindicated in women who exhibit hypersensitivity to cetrorelix acetate, mannitol or exogenous peptide hormones, who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to GnRH or any other GnRH analogs, or who are pregnant, or breast-feeding or sever renal impairment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with or without vascular and pulmonary complications, can occur with the use of fertility drugs. Mild and short lasting injection reactions like reddening, itching and swelling at the injection sites may occur. Nausea and headache have also been reported. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information.

Warnings, Side Effects and Other Important Considerations

You should review with your Fertility Specialist the risks and benefits of using Cetrotide®. As with any medication, report any and all side effects, symptoms or physical changes to your healthcare provider.

Cetrotide® can cause serious side effects including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and lung and blood vessel problems.

Because it acts quickly and directly, Cetrotide® is generally well tolerated. Mild and short-lasting injection reactions like reddening, itching and swelling at the injection sites have occurred in women using Cetrotide®. Some patients also experience nausea and headaches. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information.

Important Considerations: Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection) is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Cetrotide should be prescribed by physicians who are experienced in fertility treatment. Cetrotide® is contraindicated in women who exhibit hypersensitivity to cetrorelix acetate, mannitol or exogenous peptide hormones, who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to GnRH or any other GnRH analogs, or who are pregnant, or breast-feeding or sever renal impairment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with or without vascular and pulmonary complications, can occur with the use of fertility drugs. Mild and short lasting injection reactions like reddening, itching and swelling at the injection sites may occur. Nausea and headache have also been reported. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information.

Instructions for Use

Watch this brief video that demonstrates how to administer Cetrotide®

Cetrotide® 3 mg
Adobe Acrobat document: Printable Instructions (153KB)

Cetrotide® 0.25 mg
Adobe Acrobat document: Printable Instructions (161KB)

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Important Considerations: Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection) is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Cetrotide should be prescribed by physicians who are experienced in fertility treatment. Cetrotide® is contraindicated in women who exhibit hypersensitivity to cetrorelix acetate, mannitol or exogenous peptide hormones, who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to GnRH or any other GnRH analogs, or who are pregnant, or breast-feeding or sever renal impairment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with or without vascular and pulmonary complications, can occur with the use of fertility drugs. Mild and short lasting injection reactions like reddening, itching and swelling at the injection sites may occur. Nausea and headache have also been reported. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information.

Storage

The solution should be used immediately after preparation.

If you have any additional questions, be sure to contact your Fertility Specialist for more information or guidance. You can also call EMD Serono Fertility LifeLines™ toll-free at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879).

Important Considerations: Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection) is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Cetrotide should be prescribed by physicians who are experienced in fertility treatment. Cetrotide® is contraindicated in women who exhibit hypersensitivity to cetrorelix acetate, mannitol or exogenous peptide hormones, who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to GnRH or any other GnRH analogs, or who are pregnant, or breast-feeding or sever renal impairment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with or without vascular and pulmonary complications, can occur with the use of fertility drugs. Mild and short lasting injection reactions like reddening, itching and swelling at the injection sites may occur. Nausea and headache have also been reported. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information.

FAQs

What is Cetrotide®?

Cetrotide® is an injectable drug that controls hormonal responses in your body, which can affect the development of eggs in your ovaries. Specifically, Cetrotide® helps to prevent a hormonal event known as the "LH surge."

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What is the LH surge and how does Cetrotide® prevent the LH surge?

The LH surge is a natural hormonal response that signals the release of a mature egg from an ovary. While undergoing infertility treatment, if an LH surge occurs too early in a cycle, eggs are released before they can fully mature. This greatly reduces the opportunity to retrieve the eggs for later use in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The LH surge is caused by a series of changes involving two hormones — gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). When GnRH is present, it triggers a dramatic rise, or "surge," in LH levels.

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When should I use Cetrotide®?

You only need to use Cetrotide® for the short part of your cycle in which an LH surge is a concern. This is the part of your cycle when your eggs are nearing maturity.

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Which dosing regimen of Cetrotide® should I choose?

Cetrotide® is available in two dosing regimens — a single dose (3 mg), which controls the LH surge for up to 4 days, or a daily dose (0.25 mg) given over a short period of time. Your healthcare provider has chosen the regimen that best meets your individual needs. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for dose strength and schedule.

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How is Cetrotide® administered?

Cetrotide® is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.

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Who should not use Cetrotide®?

You should not use Cetrotide® if you answer "yes" to any of the following questions. If you are unsure if you should use Cetrotide®, talk with your healthcare provider.

  • Do you have a known allergy to cetrorelix acetate, GnRH or any other GnRH analogs, exogenous peptide hormones or mannitol?
  • Are you pregnant or do you suspect you may be pregnant?
  • Are you currently breastfeeding?
  • Do you have severe renal impairment?

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Are there any side effects associated with the use of Cetrotide®?

You should review with your Fertility Specialist the risks and benefits of using Cetrotide®. As with any medication, report any and all side effects, symptoms or physical changes to your healthcare provider.

Cetrotide® can cause serious side effects including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and lung and blood vessel problems.

Because it acts quickly and directly, Cetrotide® is generally well tolerated. Mild and short-lasting injection reactions like reddening, itching and swelling at the injection sites have occurred in women using Cetrotide®. Some patients also experience nausea and headaches. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information.

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Where can I get more information about Cetrotide®?

If you have any questions, be sure to contact your Fertility Specialist for more information or guidance. You can also call EMD Serono Fertility LifeLines™ toll-free at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879).

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How long can I keep Cetrotide® after it has been reconstituted?

The solution should be used immediately after preparation.

If you have any additional questions, be sure to contact your Fertility Specialist for more information or guidance. You can also call Fertility LifeLines™ toll-free at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879). All calls are free and confidential.

Important Considerations: Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection) is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Cetrotide should be prescribed by physicians who are experienced in fertility treatment. Cetrotide® is contraindicated in women who exhibit hypersensitivity to cetrorelix acetate, mannitol or exogenous peptide hormones, who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to GnRH or any other GnRH analogs, or who are pregnant, or breast-feeding or sever renal impairment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with or without vascular and pulmonary complications, can occur with the use of fertility drugs. Mild and short lasting injection reactions like reddening, itching and swelling at the injection sites may occur. Nausea and headache have also been reported. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information.

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Prescribing Information and Important Considerations

Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate for injection) is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Cetrotide should be prescribed by physicians who are experienced in fertility treatment. Cetrotide® is contraindicated in women who exhibit hypersensitivity to cetrorelix acetate, mannitol or exogenous peptide hormones, who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to GnRH or any other GnRH analogs, or who are pregnant, or breast-feeding or sever renal impairment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with or without vascular and pulmonary complications, can occur with the use of fertility drugs. Mild and short lasting injection reactions like reddening, itching and swelling at the injection sites may occur. Nausea and headache have also been reported. For complete product details, see the Full Prescribing Information and FAQs.

To view the download, you need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® installed. Don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer? Download it free, here.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

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Important Considerations:
Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) is indicated for use in infertile patients with oligo-anovulation and in patients undergoing ART. Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing mild to severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications, and multiple births. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to FSH preparations, primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction and pregnancy. Nursing women should not use Gonal-f®. Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, enlarged abdomen, and injection site disorders. For complete product details, see full prescribing information.

Important Considerations:
Women: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
Men: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the cause of infertility is not due to primary testicular failure. Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) should only be prescribed by physicians who are thoroughly familiar with infertility problems and their management. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to recombinant FSH preparations or one of their excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs, and an organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor; and in women who exhibit abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin, ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin and pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Gonal-f®. The most common side effects in patients using Gonal-f® include headache, ovarian cysts, nausea and upper respiratory infections in women and in men, acne, breast pain and growth, and fatigue. Injection site reactions were also reported. Reports of multiple births have been associated with Gonal-f® treatment. For complete product details, see the full prescribing information.

For complete product details, please read the Prescribing Information offered below.


© EMD Serono, Inc. CIM Last Update 2008-09-16
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