Which is Better for IVF? : Ganirelix vs Cetrotide

Differences between Ganirelix Acetate IVF Drugs and Cetrotide? Which is Better?

Ganirelix IVF prescriptions are more common than Cetrotide. Which one is better? Ganirelix is prepared in a pre-filled syringe. Cetrotide comes in powder form that needs to be diluted with a pre-filled saline syringe. Both drugs have almost exactly the same effect. Your doctor will make the best choice, taking into account side effects.

What are the differences between Ganirelix and Cetrotide injections? Scientific information about prices and side effects will be provided. Cetrorelix has been on the international market since 1999. It is available on prescription under the brand name Cetrotide in injections. The European Commission authorized the marketing of ganirelix throughout the European Union to NV Organon in May 2000.

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Important to know about Cetrotide

• It inhibits the production of female sex hormones.
• In women who cannot have children. Cetrotide (active ingredient: Cetrorelix) prevents premature ovulation of an unripe egg.
• You or your partner can usually administer the injections yourself. You will be instructed by the doctor or nurse.
• You use 1 injection every day from the fifth or sixth day that the egg cells mature. This prevents ovulation from starting too early.
• You continue to use until the doctor has determined with an ultrasound that the eggs have matured sufficiently.
• You may experience pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. Especially in the first few days.
• The ovaries may overreact to this medicine. Too many eggs may develop. Alert your doctor in case of severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and shortness of breath.

Can I drive, drink alcohol and eat or drink anything with this medicine?
– With this drug, there are no restrictions for this.

Can I use Cetrorelix with other medicines?
– There are no known significant interactions of this drug with other drugs.

Can I just stop taking this medicine?
– If you stop these injections prematurely, the treatment may fail. Consult your doctor if you want to stop. Treatment with these hormones listens closely and it may be healthier if you finish the treatment or take other hormones with it to complete the treatment properly.

Can I use this medicine if I am pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding?

– Pregnancy: DO NOT use this medicine if you are already pregnant. It may affect the baby’s development. It is important to be sure you are not pregnant when you start this medicine.

– Breastfeeding: DO NOT use this medicine if you are breastfeeding or stop breastfeeding. This is because it is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk and whether this is harmful to the baby. If you wish to breastfeed, consult your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Cetrotide?

Apart from the desired effect, this medicine may cause side effects. The main side effects are as follows:

Rare (in 1 to 10 in 100 people)

1. Pain at the injection site, redness, swelling, itching and bruising, especially during the first few days of treatment.
2. Overreaction of the ovaries, causing too many eggs to develop. This can cause severe symptoms, including a risk of thrombosis. You will notice the symptoms of this overreaction after ovulation: severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, sudden weight gain of more than two kilos, shortness of breath, no or very little urination.

Very rarely (in less than 1 in 100 people)

1. Skin rash, itching and hives due to hypersensitivity to this medicine. In case of severe shortness of breath, consult your doctor immediately.
2. Contact your pharmacist or doctor if you are too bothered by these or other side effects that you are worried about.

Important to know about Ganirelix

How fast does Gonal F work?
When your eggs are ready, you will receive a single injection of 250 micrograms of “recombinant hCG” (r-hCG, an hCG made in a laboratory, using a special recombinant DNA technique), or 5 000 I.E. to 10 000 I.E. hCG, 24 to 48 hours after your last injection of GONAL-f. This makes your oocytes ready for collection.

How fast do follicles grow with Gonal F?
In some women, follicles will be large enough after 1 week of FSH use, in others it may take up to 3 weeks. On average, for most women, it takes about 2 weeks before a puncture can be arranged.

How many days of rest after oocyte puncture?
It is normal to have abdominal discomfort for a few days after the puncture. We advise you to rest for the first day. After that, you can increase your activities. It may take several weeks for your ovaries to return to their normal size.

How long no sex after a puncture?
In principle, you can have sex after the puncture, unless the doctor advises against it. However, it is better not to have sex for about three days before insemination or follicle puncture. If the man must produce a fresh sample that day, it will be of better quality.

How many eggs is normal?
Women are born with 1 to 2 million eggs, but when puberty sets in, the number of eggs goes down to 300,000 to 400,000. For women, their fertile period begins with ovulation and menstruation. Fertility refers to the period when a woman can become pregnant and have a child.

What are the possible side effects of Ganirelix?

Apart from the desired effect, this medicine may cause side effects. The main side effects are as follows:

Sometimes (in 10 to 30 in 100 people)

Pain and redness at the injection site, swelling, itching and bruising.

Very rarely (in less than 1 in 100 people)

1. Nausea, malaise and headache.
2. Overreaction of the ovaries, causing too many eggs to develop. This can cause severe symptoms, including a risk of thrombosis. You will notice the symptoms of this overreaction after ovulation: severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, sudden weight gain of more than two kilos, shortness of breath, no or very little urination.
3. Pain in the pelvis and a swollen abdomen.
4. Hypersensitivity to this medicine. You will notice this in a rash, hives and itching. This may manifest as ‘angioedema’: swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat. You may become very stuffy as a result.

Contact your pharmacist or doctor if you suffer too much from these or other side effects that worry you.