Cetrotide (Cetrorelix)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

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We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
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What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Cetrotide (Cetrorelix) is a manufactured hormone belonging to the class of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists. Its primary function is to prevent premature ovulation by blocking the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatments, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This synthetic decapeptide closely resembles natural GnRH but has specific amino acid changes to give it its properties. Doctors commonly use it in fertility protocols to increase the chances of successful egg harvest and fertilization.

Directions

When using a Cetrotide injection, patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions carefully. Typically, administration involves a subcutaneous injection, meaning the medication is injected under the skin. The standard dosage is 0.25 mg once daily during the early to mid-follicular phase, which corresponds to stimulation on day 5 or 6 of the fertility treatment cycle. It’s crucial to continue the dosage daily until the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration.

Patients should ensure they have a clean, flat surface to prepare the injection and must wash their hands thoroughly before handling the medication. They'll need to lay out the vial of powder, pre-filled syringe, and enclosed needles before use. If a dose is missed or if there are any unexpected reactions, contacting a healthcare professional immediately is important. Detailed instructions on reconstituting and administering the injection are typically provided with the medication package.

Ingredients

Cetrotide contains the active ingredient Cetrorelix Acetate. Inactive ingredients include mannitol and sterile water (for reconstitution).

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

  • Allergic reactions to Cetrorelix or any components of the drug formulation
  • Known hypersensitivity to extrinsic peptide hormones
  • Presence of severe kidney impairment
  • Conditions in which a patient is pregnant or believes they might be pregnant

Cautions

  • Before starting Cetrotide, it's important to discuss the following with your healthcare provider:
    • Your current health conditions
    • Any allergies you may have
    • A complete list of medications you are using
    • Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
  • Only doctors experienced in fertility treatments should prescribe Cetrotide. Make sure pregnancy is ruled out before starting treatment as it's contraindicated in pregnancy.
  • There have been cases where people experienced severe allergic reactions to Cetrotide, sometimes from the first dose. Symptoms can include coughing, rash, and a severe drop in blood pressure.

Side Effects

The most common Cetrotide side effects are reactions at the injection site, including redness, itching, and swelling. Other frequently reported side effects are nausea and headaches, which are generally mild and short-lived.

Cetrotide may lead to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a condition that can become severe and requires close monitoring. Hypersensitivity reactions, including severe allergic responses, have also been reported. During clinical trials, some serious conditions including congenital anomalies in newborns were observed, such as heart defects and other developmental issues. Patients using Cetrotide should closely monitor for symptoms of serious reactions and consult their healthcare provider for guidance, especially when considering pregnancy or during early pregnancy.

References:

  1. Cetrotide (Cetrorelix) Product Monograph. Rockland, MA: EMD Serono; 2023.
  2. Cetrotide (Cetrorelix) Drug Label Information. Rockland, MA: EMD Serono; 2023.



IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

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