Indications & Uses
Cetrorelix Acetate, which is also sold as Cetrotide, is used to treat infertility in women. It stops eggs from being released too early, so it prevents premature ovulation. In female infertility, Cetrorelix Acetate holds back that early release of eggs during ovulation. This lets an egg develop normally in the woman's ovary (the female reproductive organ) and helps a healthy, matured egg to be released. In this way it helps treat infertility and increases the chance of a successful pregnancy.
Pharmacology
Cetrorelix Acetate is a synthetic decapeptide that works against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), so it blocks what GnRH does in the body. GnRH controls the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), and LH is what brings on ovulation during the menstrual cycle. In hormone treatment for ovarian stimulation, ovulation that happens too early may leave eggs that are not suitable for fertilization. Cetrorelix Acetate blocks this unwanted early ovulation.
GnRH causes the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary to produce and release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). At midcycle, a positive estradiol (E2) feedback increases the liberation of GnRH, and this results in an LH-surge. The surge induces ovulation of the dominant follicle, resumption of oocyte meiosis and then luteinization, which shows as rising progesterone levels.
Cetrorelix Acetate competes with natural GnRH for binding to membrane receptors on pituitary cells. In this way it controls the release of LH and FSH in a dose-dependent manner. With the 0.25 mg dose, LH suppression starts in approximately two hours. Continuous treatment maintains the suppression, and the effect on LH is more pronounced than the effect on FSH. No initial release of endogenous gonadotropins has been detected with Cetrorelix injection, which is consistent with an antagonist effect. The effects on LH and FSH are reversible after treatment is stopped.
In women, Cetrorelix Acetate delays the LH-surge, and so ovulation, in a dose dependent fashion. FSH levels are not affected at the doses used during controlled ovarian stimulation. A dose of Cetrorelix Acetate 0.25 mg every 24 hours has been shown to maintain the effect.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Cetrorelix Acetate is given as a subcutaneous injection, 0.25 mg once daily at 24 hour intervals, either in the morning or in the evening. This is part of the multiple dose protocol and is used during the early to mid-follicular phase (Day 5/6 to Day11). Inject it into the lower abdominal wall.
A physician should supervise the first dose of Cetrorelix Acetate 0.25 mg. Once the product has been reconstituted, give it subcutaneously and use it immediately.
Side Effects
The side effects people report most often with Cetrorelix Acetate are reactions at the injection site, such as redness (erythema), swelling and itching (pruritus). These are usually short-lived and mild. Mild to moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), WHO grade I or II, has also been commonly reported, and it should be seen as a built-in risk of the stimulation procedure itself.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Let Cetrorelix Acetate reach room temperature before you inject it. Take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use. Once the solution has been reconstituted, use it straight away. Don't use it if you can see particles in it or if it isn't clear.
Contraindications
Cetrorelix acetate should not be used by anyone who is hypersensitive to it, to extrinsic peptide hormones or to mannitol. It is also not for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for postmenopausal women. Patients with moderate or severe renal or hepatic impairment should not take it either.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Cetrorelix Acetate should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If you think you've taken too much Cetrorelix Acetate, contact your doctor, the hospital emergency department or your regional poison control centre straight away. Do this even if you have no symptoms.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Use Cetrorelix Acetate straight after it has been reconstituted. Store it in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, and don't freeze it. Keep it away from light and from wet places. Keep it out of reach of children.
Common questions about Cetrolix 250 mcg
What is Cetrolix 250 mcg SC Injection?
Cetrolix 250 mcg SC Injection is a medicine that contains Cetrorelix Acetate. It is made by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Drugs affecting (inhibiting) gonadotrophin group of medicines.
What is Cetrolix used for?
Cetrorelix Acetate, which is also sold as Cetrotide, is used to treat infertility in women. It stops eggs from being released too early, so it prevents premature ovulation.
What are the side effects of Cetrolix?
The side effects people report most often with Cetrorelix Acetate are reactions at the injection site, such as redness (erythema), swelling and itching (pruritus). These are usually short-lived and mild.
Can I take Cetrolix during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Cetrorelix Acetate should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Cetrolix?
If you think you've taken too much Cetrorelix Acetate, contact your doctor, the hospital emergency department or your regional poison control centre straight away. Do this even if you have no symptoms. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Cetrolix?
Use Cetrorelix Acetate straight after it has been reconstituted. Store it in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, and don't freeze it.
Do I need a prescription for Cetrolix?
Cetrolix is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.