Cetrorelix Acetate, injection

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is given by injection to help a woman become pregnant. Use it exactly as directed.
• Keep all appointments for tests to see how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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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.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

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 when to take the medicine and how much medicine you should take. Carefully follow the instructions for using this medicine. If you are not sure how to use this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children under age 18.

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.

Rarely, this medicine causes a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The symptoms are severe abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, and reduced urination. If you have these symptoms, or if you have burning when you urinate, contact your healthcare provider right away because you need special treatment.

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, lab tests, 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); numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms or legs (especially on one side); problems with your speech or balance; trouble breathing; pain, swelling, or warmth in one or both legs.

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; irregular periods.

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.

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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.