Approved & therapeutic
Cetrorelix
Cetrotide
Cetrorelix is a GnRH antagonist used during controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproduction, to prevent a premature LH surge from releasing oocytes before retrieval.
Also known as: Cetrorelix acetate
- Status
- Cetrorelix is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information.
- Evidence
- Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
- Half-life
- Approximately 5 hours.
- How it's taken
- Subcutaneous injection into the lower abdomen
- Mechanism
- Reproductive axis (GnRH / kisspeptin / oxytocin)
- Pathways
- GnRH, Estrogen
How Cetrorelix works
Cetrorelix competitively blocks pituitary GnRH receptors, suppressing LH release within hours and without the initial surge seen with agonists. In an IVF cycle it is started once follicles reach a defined size, holding back ovulation until hCG or a GnRH agonist is given to trigger final maturation at the chosen time.
What research has looked at
- Prevents premature LH surge and premature ovulation during controlled ovarian stimulation.
- Antagonist protocols are shorter than long agonist protocols and avoid the initial flare, so stimulation begins sooner.
- Allows a GnRH agonist trigger instead of hCG, which substantially reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in high responders.
Evidence level: Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can occur as part of the stimulation cycle; the antagonist reduces but does not eliminate this risk.
- Injection-site reactions including redness, itching and swelling.
- Nausea and headache.
- Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported.
- Contraindicated in pregnancy and in known hypersensitivity to GnRH or its analogues, or to mannitol.
Sources
- FDA approved-drug listing for cetrorelix · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- DailyMed prescribing information for cetrorelix · NIH · DailyMed
- PubMed research on cetrorelix controlled ovarian stimulation · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for cetrorelix · DrugBank
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Cetrorelix FAQ
What is Cetrorelix?
Cetrorelix is a GnRH antagonist used during controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproduction, to prevent a premature LH surge from releasing oocytes before retrieval.
How does Cetrorelix work?
Cetrorelix competitively blocks pituitary GnRH receptors, suppressing LH release within hours and without the initial surge seen with agonists. In an IVF cycle it is started once follicles reach a defined size, holding back ovulation until hCG or a GnRH agonist is given to trigger final maturation at the chosen time.
Is Cetrorelix FDA approved?
Yes. Cetrorelix is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information. Evidence level: approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
What is the half-life of Cetrorelix?
Reported half-life: Approximately 5 hours.
How is Cetrorelix taken?
Subcutaneous injection into the lower abdomen.
What side effects have been reported with Cetrorelix?
Reported in the sources: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can occur as part of the stimulation cycle; the antagonist reduces but does not eliminate this risk; Injection-site reactions including redness, itching and swelling; Nausea and headache; Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported; Contraindicated in pregnancy and in known hypersensitivity to GnRH or its analogues, or to mannitol.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.