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HomeDrugsCetrotide (cetrorelix) Prices

cetrorelix

Generic Cetrotide

Used for Fertility

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) is an injection given along with other fertility medications during in vitro fertilization (IVF). While it has very few side effects, it can be more difficult to use than other alternatives.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 10, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Cetrotide (cetrorelix)?

What is Cetrotide (cetrorelix) used for?

Female infertility

How Cetrotide (cetrorelix) works

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) is a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist that temporarily delays ovulation. It is used to prevent eggs from being released too early and can help your provider be more successful during your egg retrieval procedure.

Are you looking for information on ciprofloxacin ear drops (Cetraxal) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCetrotide

Drug ClassGnRH antagonist

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$1375.95(save 77.43%)

GoodRx discount

$310.58

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What are the side effects of Cetrotide (cetrorelix)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (4%)

Other Side Effects

Nausea
Headache

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reactions

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

continuing or severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

decreased amount of urine

feeling of indigestion

moderate to severe bloating

pelvic pain, severe

rapid weight gain

shortness of breath

swelling of lower legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Headache

injection site bruising, itching, swelling, or redness

nausea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of Cetrotide (cetrorelix)

Pros

Can be given at home

Well-tolerated with very few side effects

Only has to be used once a day

Cons

Has to be mixed and drawn up into a syringe — might be more difficult to use than other alternatives

Not safe if you have kidney problems or a mannitol allergy

Brand name only, so it can be expensive

Pharmacist tips for Cetrotide (cetrorelix)

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) can be given at home. You don't need to go to your provider's office to receive your doses. You will need to be taught how to correctly give yourself the injection.

The number of days you will use Cetrotide (cetrorelix) will be unique. Follow your provider's directions very carefully to give the medication the best chance to work.

Always wash your hands with soap and water before injecting Cetrotide (cetrorelix), and make sure to wipe the area of skin you are going to inject the medication into with an alcohol swab before injecting. Use a different area of the body for every dose. This will help prevent discomfort and pain during injections.

After Cetrotide (cetrorelix) has been injected, place a cotton ball over the area, and apply some pressure for several seconds. To prevent tenderness, gently massage the area while applying pressure.

The syringes and needles that come with the Cetrotide (cetrorelix) kit are only meant to be used once. Never reuse them. Throw away the used syringe and needles in a protective (sharps) container. These containers might be given to you by your provider, but if not, they can be purchased at most pharmacies. Don't throw syringes or needles away in the regular trash.

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) contains mannitol. Let your provider know if you are allergic to mannitol before you start your injections. They might want you to inject your first dose in their office in case you have a reaction to it.

Store Cetrotide (cetrorelix) in the refrigerator in its original packaging until you are ready to use it. Do not put this medication in the freezer.

Frequently asked questions about Cetrotide (cetrorelix)

How many days do you use Cetrotide (cetrorelix)?

This answer will be unique every time you prepare for egg retrieval. It will depend on how fast your eggs grow and mature inside your ovaries. Your provider might be able to give you an approximate number of days based on your ultrasound scans.

Where do you inject Cetrotide (cetrorelix)?

You should inject Cetrotide (cetrorelix) in your stomach around your belly button. Just make sure it's at least 1 inch away from the belly button.

What happens if you take Cetrotide (cetrorelix) late?

Missing a dose of Cetrotide (cetrorelix) or taking it late lowers the chance of a successful egg retrieval. If you realize you've missed a dose, contact your provider. They will let you know if you should inject the dose you've missed and if you need to be seen in the office.

Do you take Cetrotide (cetrorelix) the day of the trigger shot?

Always double check with your provider about this, as every office has unique instructions. Because most providers will have you inject Cetrotide (cetrorelix) in the mornings, you will most likely use it the morning of your trigger shot (a shot that prepares your eggs for retrieval). The important thing is not to use Cetrotide (cetrorelix) after you've injected your trigger shot.

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What are the risks and warnings for Cetrotide (cetrorelix)?

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Allergic reactions

Risk factors: Mannitol allergy

Severe allergic reactions to Cetrotide (cetrorelix) are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Call 911 if this happens. This medication contains mannitol, so you might have a higher risk of allergic reactions if you have a mannitol allergy. If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after receiving your dose of Cetrotide (cetrorelix), call your healthcare provider right away.

Birth defects

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) is known to harm unborn babies and can cause birth defects. Because of this, your provider might order a pregnancy blood test before you start using any fertility medications. It's possible you might also be prescribed an oral birth control pill to take for a month before you start your IVF medications.

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) dosage forms

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
1 vial of 0.25mg	5 cartons	$1459.50	$291.90

Typical dosing for Cetrotide (cetrorelix)

Inject 0.25 mg beneath the skin (subcutaneously) once a day. You will start your injection either on stimulation day 5 (in the morning or evening) or stimulation day 6 (in the morning). You will continue daily injections until you receive hCG.

Interactions between Cetrotide (cetrorelix) and other drugs

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cetrotide (cetrorelix). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.