What is Ganirelix ?
Ganirelix acetate is an injectable competitive gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist that is marketed under the brand names Orgalutran and Antagon. It is mainly used by assisted reproduction for regulating ovulation.
Ganirelix Uses
This medicine is used by women with certain fertility treatments (controlled ovarian stimulation). Ganirelix is commonly used in combination with other hormones (FSH and hCG). It works by blocking the release of some hormone (luteinizing hormone). Ganirelix stops the release of eggs too early and gives the eggs time to grow properly.
How to use
- Read the information given on the Leaflet or prescription paper, if it is available from your pharmacist before you start using ganirelix and every time you refill it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or doubts.
- Learn all the instructions for preparation and use from your health care professional and the product package.
- Check this product visually for any discoloration or damage before use. Do not use any kind of liquid if either is present.
- Inject this medicine under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually a few days a day. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions on when to start and stop the medication.
- Before each dose is injected, clean the injection site properly. Change the injection site each time to reduce the injury to the skin.
- Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor to make the most of it. Do not increase your dose or use this medicine more often or longer than prescribed.
How does it work
Ganirelix acts on the pituitary gonadotroph and the subsequent transduction process by competitively blocking the GnRH receptors. It induces rapid, reversible suppression of the secretion of gonadotropin. The suppression of ganirelix's pituitary LH secretion is more pronounced than that of FSH. Ganirelix, which is consistent with an antagonist effect, has not detected an initial release of endogenous gonadotropins. After ganirelix is discontinued, the levels of pituitary LH and FSH are completely recovered within 48 hours.
Ganirelix Side Effects
- Severe pelvic pain
- Swelling of the hands or legs
- Stomach pain and swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Weight gain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Urinating less than usual
- Pelvic pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Mild nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain, redness
- Irritation at the injection site.
- Redness or pain at the injection site, headache, mild nausea/stomach pain, or fatigue may occur. If any of these effects last, does not go away, or starts getting worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
- Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has determined that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many patients who use this medicine do not face serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects, such as unusual vaginal bleeding.
- This medicine may lead to a condition which is known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition can occur during treatment or after treatment. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to build up suddenly in the stomach, chest, and heart area.
- Get medical help right away if you develop the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, nausea/vomiting, sudden/fast weight gain, or decreased urination.
- Danger or serious allergic reactions to this drug are uncommon and rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.
- This may not be the full list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using ganirelix, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to another gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) product; or if you have any other allergies. This product might contain some inactive ingredients (such as latex) that might cause allergic reactions or other health problems. Please talk to your pharmacist for more details.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before using this medicine.
- As a result of this treatment, multiple births may occur. For more details, consult your doctor.
- Stop using this medicine if you become pregnant. This medicine is not safe to be taken during pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
- It is not clear if this drug is passed through breast milk or not. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended during the use of this drug. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Interactions
Medication interactions can change the functioning of your medications or increase the risk of serious adverse side effects. Bringing the doctor and pharmacist on board and sharing a list of the medications you use (such as prescription/nonprescription medicines and herbal medicines). Do not begin, end, or switch medicinal products without the approval of your doctor.
Dosage and administration
Ganirelix 250 μg may be given subcutaneously once a day for the mid-to-late portion of the follicular process following initiation of FSH on Day 2 or 3 of the cycle. The need for exogenously administered FSH can be minimized by taking advantage of the endogenous pituitary Secretion FSH. Ganirelix acetate therapy should proceed until hCG is administered every day. When there are ample follicles of the right size, as measured by ultrasound, the ultrasound induces the maturation of a final follicle by the administration of hCG. In cases where ovaries are aptly extended on the last day of FSH therapy, hCG administration should be stopped to minimize the risk.
Missed Dose
When you forget to take any doses, take the dose immediately when you recall. Do not take two doses to match the forgotten dose.
Overdose
If you have consumed too much of this drug seek medical help or call the emergency number. Overdosing is not good for health it can lead to serious side effects such as passing out or difficulty in breathing.
Storage
Store it away from direct heat, moisture, and sunlight.
Ganirelix Vs Cetrorelix
Ganirelix |
Cetrorelix |
|---|---|
| Brand names Orgalutran and Antagon | Brand name Cetrotide |
| Formula: C84H121ClN18O17 | Formula: C70H92ClN17O14 |
| Ganirelix acetate is an injectable competitive gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist | Cetrorelix is an injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonis |
| Ganirelix is commonly used in combination with other hormones (FSH and hCG). It works by blocking the release of some hormone (luteinizing hormone). Ganirelix stops the release of eggs too early and gives the eggs time to grow properly. | In combination with other hormones, Cetrorelix is commonly used (FSH and hCG). It functions by preventing a certain hormone from being released (luteinizing hormone). |
