Notes on IVF Medications
Medication | Trade Names | Class | Usage | Dosage | Route | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Orgalutran; Cetrotide | GnRH Antagonist | Ovarian SuppressionPrevention of Premature Ovulation | 250 µg from cycle day 5 of stimulation phase until hCG administration | SC | Nausea, Headaches | |
Clomid; Clomifene (generic); Serophene | Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)Anti-Estrogen | Ovulation InductionOvarian Stimulation | 5-150mg/day, days 1-5 of menstrual cycle | T | Hot flashes, abdominal discomfort | |
Suprefact; Synarel | GnRH Agonist | Ovarian SuppressionPrevention of Premature Ovulation | Buserelin/Suprefact: 200-500 µg daily injection; Nafarelin/Synarel: 200 µg spray in nostril daily | SCNasal Spray | Menopausal Sx, such as hot flushes, increased sweating, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, loss of libido, headaches | |
Factrel; Lutrepulse | Pulsed LHRH/GnRH | Ovulation InductionOvarian Stimulation | 5 µg every 90 minutes. Can increase incrementally up to 20 µg per 90 minute pulse | IV | Rarely nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, increased menstrual bleeding | |
Menopur; Merional; Repronex | GonadotrophinFSHLH | Ovarian StimulationOvulation Induction | 150-450 IU/day for ~ 12 days | IMSC | Gastrointestinal disturbances; headaches, joint pain, fever | |
Bravelle; Fertinorm HP, Fostimon | GonadotrophinFSH | Ovarian StimulationOvulation Induction | 150-450 IU/day for ~ 12 days | IMSC | Gastrointestinal disturbances; headaches, joint pain, fever | |
Luveris | GonadotrophinLH | Ovulation InductionOvarian Stimulation | 75-300 IU/day for up to 30 days | SC | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal and pelvic pain, headaches, somnolence | |
Follistim, Gonal-F | GonadotrophinFSH | Ovarian StimulationOvulation Induction | 75-300 IU/day for up to 30 days | SC | Gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, joint pain, fever | |
Pregnyl | Chorionic Gonadotrophin | Oocyte Maturation | 5000-10,000 IU injection day after last dose of gonadotrophin | IMSC | Edema, headache, tiredness, mood changes, gynecomastia | |
Ovidrel; Ovitrelle | Chorionic Gonadotrophin | Oocyte Maturation | 250 µg injection day after last dose of gonadotrophin | SC | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, tiredness | |