Cetrotide, known generically as cetrorelix acetate, is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, used to prevent ovulation in women going through IVF and other fertility procedures. Cetrotide is the drug of choice for suppressing ovulation because of its safety and effectiveness. Below, we will take a look at how Cetrotide works, as well as the advantages of taking Cetrotide.‍

How Cetrotide Works

Cetrotide's action is on the pituitary gland (which is responsible for producing FSH to stimulate egg growth and LH to trigger ovulation of a mature egg). Cetrotide works bu supressing the pituitary gland so that it does not produce FSH and LH. Supression of the pituitary is important to prevent ovulation during IVF so that the eggs can be removed directly from the ovaries.

Advantages of Taking Cetrotide

Cetrotide is newer than the more traditional Lupron, but has quickly become popular thanks to a number of advantages of taking Cetrotide. Although Lupron is effective at suppressing ovulation, there is an initial "flare" phase in which the pituitary gland is stimulated before ovulation is suppressed. To avoid this phase, it was necessary for the woman to take Lupron for several weeks before beginning medication to stimulate the ovary. The flare phase is also associated with the potential development of cysts in the ovaries as a complication. One of the biggest advantages of Cetrotide is that it has no flare phase. Rather than starting the medication several days in advance, Cetrotide injections can begin 4-6 days after starting fertility medications. In addition, the risk of certain side effects are lower.

‍Choosing a Course of Medication

‍Cetrotide is injected subcutaneously, or into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. It can be injected into the abdomen, two inches away from the belly button, or into the outer thigh. The steps for preparing and administering Cetrotide are:

• Choose a clean surface, and wash your hands thoroughly
• Remove the cover from the vial, and wipe the rubber portion with an alcohol swab
• Push the needle of the pre-filled syringe through the rubber stopper and inject the solvent into the vial
• Leave the syringe in the vial, and swirl the vial until the solution is clear; do not shake the vial
• Turn the vial over and pull back the needle to withdraw the liquid into the syringe
• Replace the needle with the yellow mark with a 27 gauge syringe; remove air bubbles
• Choose your injection site, then cleanse it with a new alcohol swab
• Using your non-dominant hand, use a wide grip to hold the skin and tissue
• Insert the needle at a 45 degree angle
• Depress the plunger to inject the medication
• Withdraw the needle and place it in a sharps container

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