Cetrorelix Acetate, injection se-troh-REL-iks AS-e-tate

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist; infertility treatment

Generic and brand names: cetrorelix acetate, injection; Cetrotide

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shot) as part of a series of drugs to help a woman become pregnant.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicines
• kidney disease

Before starting this treatment, your healthcare provider may test you for pregnancy to be sure that you are not pregnant.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine has been reported to cause birth defects. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

How do I use it?

The shots are given subcutaneously (just under the skin) on certain days of your menstrual cycle. Your healthcare provider will determine the exact days you need these shots. If you are having these shots at your healthcare provider's office or clinic, keep all your appointments.

Sometimes you can give yourself these shots or have someone at home give them to you. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Be sure you know how and when to have them and how much medicine to use. Use sterile, disposable syringes and needles. Use them only once and dispose of them safely, following your healthcare provider's instructions.

Carefully read and follow the directions that come with this medicine for preparing the shots. Two needles are provided:

• The larger and longer needle is used to puncture the rubber cap on the vial.
• The smaller and thinner needle is used to inject the medicine just under your skin.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Follow these steps to give yourself the shots:

1. Use one of the alcohol swabs that comes with the medicine to sterilize the rubber cap on the vial.
2. Use the larger needle to put the solution in the prefilled syringe into the vial to dissolve the powder for the medicine. Gently swirl the medicine to dissolve, but do not shake so hard that it forms bubbles. Then withdraw the dissolved solution back into the syringe. Take off the large needle and dispose of it in a safety container provided. Put the smaller needle on the syringe. Turn the syringe upside down and gently push the plunger until all the air bubbles have been pushed out. Use the solution immediately after mixing.
3. Choose a site on your abdomen, around the belly button but at least 1 inch away from the belly button. Each day, choose a different spot for the shot to lessen irritation.
4. Use the second alcohol swab to sterilize the skin where you will give yourself the shot. Let it dry before giving yourself the shot.
5. Using the smaller needle, gently pinch up the skin and insert the needle into the skin at a 45° angle. After you insert the needle completely, release your grasp of the skin. Gently pull back on the plunger of the syringe. If no blood appears, inject all of the solution by gently and steadily pushing down the plunger. If blood appears when you pull back on the plunger, withdraw the needle and syringe and gently press the alcohol swab on the injection site.
6. After you have given yourself the shot, withdraw the needle and syringe and press the alcohol swab at the spot where the shot was given.
7. Discard the syringe, needle, and drug vial. Use the syringes and needles ONLY ONCE. Throw them away after use. Put used needles in rigid puncture-resistant containers with lids or caps, such as heavy plastic bleach bottles with screw caps. DO NOT throw needles directly into garbage cans or dumpsters.
8. When you repeat the procedure, use a new pack. Do not mix the medicine until you are ready to inject it.

If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

If you think that you are pregnant, stop using this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away.

Your healthcare provider will want to examine you from time to time during treatment with this medicine. Keep all appointments for checkups.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, rash, itching, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unexplained swelling; shortness of breath; severe abdominal pain or bloating; vaginal bleeding; severe redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.

Other: Nausea; headache; redness, swelling, rash, itching, or bruising at the spot where the shot was given; hot flushes; loss of interest in sex.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store the 3 mg dose at room temperature. Store the 0.25 mg dose in the refrigerator.

Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.