Cetrorelix is a hormonal medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for treating female infertility.

Cetrorelix helps to treat female infertility ( inability of a woman to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term). This drug helps to synchronize the development of multiple follicles and ensures that they can be retrieved during the IVF procedure.

Cetrorelix will be given to you by a doctor or other healthcare professional. They will administer the injection in the fatty tissues just under the skin of your belly (subcutaneously). To minimize skin irritation, your physician will select a different area of your belly for each injection.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Cetrorelix are headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue. Some serious side effects also include injection site reactions, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and swelling of face, lips, tongue and throat.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Inform your physician if you have kidney problems and liver problems. Special monitoring or dose adjustments are required in these situations. Cetrorelix is often used with other medications to stimulate the ovaries as part of fertility treatment. It can mainly increase the chance of developing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a condition in which the ovaries become enlarged, and cysts may form. Contact your physician if you experience severe pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or sudden weight gain, as these symptoms may indicate OHSS.

Report to your physician immediately if you experience sudden life-threatening allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or wheezing, swelling, rash, itching, fever, and chills. This drug is not intended for use in children. Please inform your physician about any other medications you use, have recently used, or may use, as they can interact with Cetrorelix. The use of this drug in pregnant and breastfeeding women is not recommended. Consult your doctor for more advice before initiating the treatment.

The process of fertility treatment can be emotionally challenging. Look for support from your partner, family, and friends groups to help you navigate any emotional ups and downs during the treatment. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle during fertility treatment. It includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity (unless advised by your healthcare provider), managing stress levels, avoiding smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Store the Cetrorelix medication as per the manufacturer's instructions. Please keep it in a cool, dry place and protect it from light.

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2. EMD Serono, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2008] [Accessed on 12th June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/021197s010lbl.pdf
3. Dominique Finas et al.; Cetrorelix in the treatment of female infertility and endometriosis; Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy; Published on Oct 2006; Accessed on 12th June 2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17020439/
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anterior pituitary hormones, 7th edition, 2013, 243.
5. Bertram.G.Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Endocrine drugs, 14th edition, 2017, 678.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.