Cetrorelix is used in women having certain fertility treatments (controlled ovarian stimulation). This medication prevents eggs from being released too early (premature ovulation) by blocking the hormone (gonadotropin-releasing hormone-GnRH) that causes eggs to be released from the ovaries. This gives the eggs time to develop properly.
This medication is usually used with another hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin-hCG) to help you become pregnant. HCG is used to cause the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation).
This medication must not be used if you are already pregnant. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test before your first dose.

How to use Cetrotide SubQ
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting this medication and each time you get a refill. You will be trained by a health care professional on how to properly use this medication. Learn and understand all preparation and usage instructions.
Follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct fluid provided with this medication. Before using, check the solution visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use the solution immediately after the medication is mixed. Discard any unused solution. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.
Wash hands with soap and water before using this medication. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. If you are injecting daily, it is important to change the location of the injection site every day to avoid discomfort and problem areas under the skin.
Inject this medication under the skin in your lower abdomen, at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) away from your navel, as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to inject a single dose or to inject a smaller dose once daily for several days. The timing of your injection, your dosage, and your length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. When an ultrasound shows that you are ready, a second medication (hCG) is usually injected to cause the eggs to mature and release (ovulation).
Be sure to keep all medical appointments so your doctor can closely monitor your response to determine the dosage that is right for you and the time you should use the next medication.
Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor in order to get the most benefit from it. If your doctor has directed you to inject this medication more than once, use it at the same time each day.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Nausea, headache, and pain/bruising/redness/swelling/itching at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe pain/swelling/cramping in the abdomen.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using cetrorelix, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other hormones (e.g., GnRH); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as mannitol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of severe allergic reactions, kidney disease.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended because it may harm the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., ultrasound) may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store the 3-milligram strength at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
Store the 0.25-milligram strength in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Protect from light.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised April 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.