Cetrotide (Cetrorelix (As Acetate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cetrotide Used For?
Cetrotide is a specialized fertility medication that helps women undergoing assisted reproduction treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Primary Uses
Cetrotide is used to prevent premature ovulation (the early release of an egg from the ovary) in women undergoing assisted reproduction cycles, such as in vitro fertilization.
How It Works
Cetrotide belongs to a group of medicines called anti-gonadotropin-releasing hormones that work by controlling hormone levels during fertility treatment.
How to Take Cetrotide
Cetrotide is given as a subcutaneous injection under the skin in the lower abdomen. Treatment must be supervised by a specialist doctor experienced in fertility treatment.
Dosage Instructions
The contents of one vial of Cetrotide (250 microgram) are given once daily at 24-hour intervals, either in the morning or evening. It is given over several days as directed by your doctor. The injection site should be changed daily to reduce possible injection site reactions. Your first injection should be given by your doctor or nurse, and you should remain under supervision in case of allergic reaction.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Cetrotide should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose at the usual time, contact your doctor or nurse immediately for advice.
Important: Follow all instructions provided and use Cetrotide until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not attempt self-injection until you are sure of how to do it.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Injection site reactions such as redness, itching, swelling
- Signs of mild OHSS such as abdominal pain or discomfort
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions including swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching or hives
- Signs of severe OHSS such as lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea followed by rapid weight gain, reduced urine output and shortness of breath
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Cetrotide should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Cetrotide
Do not use Cetrotide if you are allergic to cetrorelix (as acetate) or any ingredients, have moderate or severe liver or kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have reached menopause.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you take any medicines for other conditions or have any other medical conditions. A condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) may occur during or following controlled ovarian stimulation, where the ovaries overreact to hormone treatment and become too large.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Cetrotide.
OHSS Risk: Your doctor will monitor your treatment and advise you what to do regarding Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome risk.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Cetrotide and affect how it works. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without a prescription
Alcohol & Driving
Cetrotide is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Cetrotide is not expected to impair your ability to drive or to operate machinery.
Storage
Store Cetrotide at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerate, do not freeze). If refrigeration is unavailable, Cetrotide can be stored below 30°C for a single period of up to 3 months, after which it must be discarded. Store in the original package to protect from light. Inject the reconstituted Cetrotide as soon as it is prepared as the final solution does not contain a preservative. Keep away from moisture, heat, sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Cetrotide, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cetrotide is given over several days during your fertility treatment cycle. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many days you need to use it based on your individual treatment plan.
Your first injection should be given by your doctor or nurse, and you should remain under supervision in case of allergic reaction. After the first injection, you may administer Cetrotide yourself, but do not attempt self-injection until you are sure of how to do it.
Cetrotide should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose at the usual time, contact your doctor or nurse immediately for advice.
Cetrotide is injected under the skin in the lower abdominal wall, preferably around the navel. The injection site should be changed every day to reduce possible injection site reactions.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is when the ovaries overreact to hormone treatment and become too large. Your doctor will monitor your treatment and advise you what to do. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms like lower abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, or reduced urine output.
Cetrotide should be stored at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated). If refrigeration is unavailable, it can be stored below 30°C for a single period of up to 3 months, after which it must be discarded.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Cetrotide. Do not use Cetrotide if you are already pregnant.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.