Women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation need their egg retrieval timed precisely, and a premature LH surge can disrupt that plan. Cetrorelix acetate is the injectable medication developed specifically to prevent that surge from happening too early.
Key takeaways
- Cetrorelix acetate is FDA approved to inhibit premature LH surges during controlled ovarian stimulation.
- It carries no boxed warning according to the label.
- Reported side effects in the FAERS database are dominated by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
- More than 140 clinical trials have been registered involving this compound.
- It is identified in PubChem under CID 25074887.
What cetrorelix is
Cetrorelix acetate is a peptide medication used in fertility treatment. It is administered by injection as part of ovarian stimulation protocols supervised by a physician.
What cetrorelix is approved for
Cetrorelix acetate is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. It is marketed under the brand name cetrorelix acetate. No boxed warning is present on the label.
What the evidence shows
A total of 143 clinical trials have been registered that involve cetrorelix. One completed trial examined ovarian stimulation using recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone alongside a GnRH agonist given on alternate days. Another completed trial studied poor ovarian stimulation response within an in vitro fertilization program.
Reported side effects
FAERS data reflect reported cases, not confirmed incidence or causation. The most reported reaction is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, with 136 reports, followed by drug ineffective (45) and premature ovulation (41). Other reported events include spontaneous abortion (39), abdominal distension (30), off label use (29), ascites (28), and abdominal pain (26). These reports are consistent with the gynecologic context in which cetrorelix is used.