Antigonadotropic Agent

Inhibits premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in fertility clinics.

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Fetal resorption occurred in pregnant rats and rabbits. These effects are results of hormonal alterations and could result in fetal loss in humans. The drug should not be used in pregnant women. Breast-feeding is not recommended.

Known hypersensitivity of ganirelix or to any of its components, known hypersensitivity to gonadotropin-releasing hormone or any other analog, known or suspected pregnancy

Should only be prescribed by fertility specialists. The packaging contains natural rubber latex (may cause allergic reactions). Pregnancy must be excluded before starting medication.

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache (3%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (2.4%)

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (4.8%), nausea (1.1%), and abdominal pain (1%)

Genitourinary: Vaginal bleeding (1.8%)

Local: Injection site reaction (1.1%)

<1%: Congenital abnormalities

No formal studies have been performed

Store at controlled room temperature (15°C to 30°C/59°F to 86°F)

Competitively blocks the gonadotropin-release hormone receptors on the pituitary gonadotroph and transduction pathway. This suppresses gonadotropin secretion and luteinizing hormone secretion preventing ovulation until the follicles are of adequate size.

Absorption: S.C.: Rapidly absorbed

Time to maximum concentration: 1.1 hours

Distribution: Mean V_d: 43.7 L

Protein binding: 81.9%

Metabolism: Hepatic, to two primary metabolites (1-4 and 1-6 peptide)

Bioavailability: 91.1%

Half-life: 16.2 hours

Elimination: In feces (75%) and urine (22%). Urinary excretion is complete at 24 hours, whereas fecal excretion is complete at 288 hours after dosing.

Adult: S.C.: 250 mcg/day during the early to midfollicular phase after initiating follicle-stimulating hormone. Treatment should be continued daily until the day of chorionic gonadotropin administration.

Ultrasound to assess the follicle's size

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Nurse to teach how to administer S.C. injections. Give at a similar time daily as instructed by fertility clinic. Do not skip doses. Keep all ultrasound appointments. Report any sudden weight gain, abdominal discomfort, or shortness of breath to clinic. Do not take if pregnant.

Teach patient/spouse to give S.C. injections. Discuss ultrasound schedule and timing of other medications used.

Prefilled glass syringe: 250 mcg/0.5 mL with 27-gauge x 1/2 inch needle