Ganirelix: What You Must Know

Ganirelix is given to women, who take part in fertility programs and are taking drugs to induce ovarian function, to help avoid LH surge from happening. The release of well-developed and fully matured egg cells from the ovaries is aided by the luteinizing hormone.

Ganirelix acetate is contraindicated for use in women who are pregnant and lactating and those who are identified to be hypersensitive or allergic to medications that are associated with GnRH. There has been sufficient evidence that this drug is damaging to the unborn fetus so it is vital that the doctor should exclude pregnancy as early as possible.

There have been reports of hypersensitivity reactions upon taking the first dose. A lot of these reactions include developing a skin rash, rapid inhalation. This drug includes natural rubber as part of its ingredients and women who are allergic to the component should not use the drug. Some of the adverse effects that may likely occur include, OHSS or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, headaches, nausea and vomiting, pain and swelling on the injection site, fetal death, and heavy vaginal bleeding.

Understanding the treatment course and its pros and cons is important for couples who want to undergo treatment with this drug.

According to research and studies, out of 283 newborns that has been delivered from mothers who took this drug only 3 newborns have major birth abnormalities and eighteen newborn infants are born with slight birth anomalies. Major birth defects include omphalocele and developing hydrocephalus. Hip subluxation or partial dislocation of hip, failure of the testes to descend, hydrocele, torticollis and skin tags are just some of the minor birth abnormalities. Although there has been no sufficient evidence that congenital defects are associated to the drug use, one may also consider that in vitro fertilization and genetic factors may affect the fetus.

FSH is usually initiated on the 2nd and third day of a woman’s period cycle therefore, it is best to give Ganirelix at that point. This drug is administered under the skin with a dose of 250ug and shall be used everyday until an HCG drug is given. When the ovaries are abnormal in size or enlarged HCG should be suspended to decrease the risk of acquiring OHSS or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

There are no identified reports of any unpleasant and undesirable side effects related to drug overdosing. Even though, it is still crucial to follow orders of the physician.

Knowledge on the proper storage and administration of the drug should be important for the patient who wish to use the drug at home. To avoid complications, do not inject the drug in only one location.

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