Cetronax®
Patient Details
Cetronax®
Generic Name: Cetrorelix acetate
Dosage Form: Lyophilized powder containing 250 micrograms of Cetrorelix acetate for preparation of an injectable solution
Pharmacologic Category: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Antagonist
Indications: This medication is used as an adjuvant treatment for infertility in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation procedures.
Description
Cetronax® (Cetrorelix acetate) is prescribed for the treatment of infertility in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures.
This medication belongs to the class of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) antagonists and works by inhibiting the release of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH), thereby preventing premature ovulation during the menstrual cycle. When the eggs are ready for retrieval, ovulation-inducing medications are administered to trigger their release.
Indications for Use
Cetronax® is used in the treatment of infertility during controlled ovarian stimulation by preventing the premature surge of luteinizing hormone (LH).
Dosage Form
Lyophilized powder containing 250 micrograms of Cetrorelix acetate for preparation of an injectable solution.
Preparation Instructions
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them.
- Remove the plastic cap from the vial and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Using a syringe fitted with a yellow 20-gauge needle (suitable for drawing up the solution), inject 1 mL of sterile water for injection into the vial through the center of the rubber stopper.
- Without removing the needle, place the vial on a flat surface and gently swirl it in a circular motion until a clear solution is obtained.
- Do not shake the vial vigorously. If bubbles form, wait until they disappear.
- Without removing the syringe, turn the vial upside down and draw up all of the solution into the syringe. Then, remove the needle from the vial.
- Replace the yellow needle with a gray 27-gauge needle (suitable for subcutaneous injection). Hold the syringe upright and gently tap it to remove any air bubbles.
- Push the plunger slightly until a small drop appears at the tip of the needle, indicating that the syringe is ready for injection.
- Administer the injection according to the procedure described in the “Method of Administration” section.
Dosage and Administration
Cetronax® should be administered once daily in the morning or evening, starting on day 5 or the morning of day 6 of the treatment cycle, after the initiation of ovarian stimulation, and continued daily until the administration of the ovulation-inducing medication. It should be noted that the exact regimen may vary according to the physician’s discretion, depending on the patient’s condition, ovarian response, medications used during the cycle, and other relevant factors.
Cetronax® is administered once daily via subcutaneous injection, at a site less than 3 cm from the navel. To minimize local allergic reactions, choose a different area of the abdomen each day. The selected injection site should not be painful, bruised, red, or show any other skin abnormalities.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad and allow the area to dry.
- Gently pinch the skin at the injection site with one hand.
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (or 45 degrees in thin individuals), fully inject the contents of the syringe, and release the skin while counting from one to three.
- Using an alcohol swab, apply gentle pressure to the injection site as you remove the needle.
Note: vial, and sterile water included in the Cetronax® package are for single use only. Dispose of them properly after use.
Missed Dose
If you forget to administer a dose of Cetronax®, consult your physician.
Overdose
If you take more than the recommended dose of Cetronax®, inform your physician immediately.
Monitoring During Treatment
Follicle size should be assessed using ultrasound.
Contraindications
- History of severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity to Cetrorelix acetate or any component of the product
- History of severe hypersensitivity to exogenous peptide hormones, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), or other hormonally similar drugs
- Moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Warnings and Precautions
In the event of allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, redness, swelling, or blistering of the skin; wheezing; a feeling of heaviness in the chest or throat; difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek immediate medical attention.
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
The use of Cetrorelix acetate is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Adverse Reactions
Like all medications, Cetronax® may cause certain unwanted side effects in addition to its therapeutic benefits, although not everyone experiences them. Possible side effects include:
- Allergic reactions (signs include swelling, hives, and inflammation with redness)
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with symptoms such as moderate to severe abdominal pain, abdominal enlargement and firmness, nausea, and vomiting
- Local injection site reactions (pain, burning, redness, swelling, etc.)
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Headache
- Nausea
Drug Interactions
Consult your physician or pharmacist before using Cetrorelix acetate in combination with other medications or supplements.
Packaging
Currently, Cetronax® is available in three packaging options: packs of one, two and four. Each pack of Cetronax® contains either two vials of Cetrorelix acetate or four vials of Cetrorelix acetate along with four vials, each containing 1 mL of sterile water for injection.
Storage Conditions
- Keep the medication out of reach and sight of children.
- Store at 2–8°C, protected from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze the medication.
- Use the medication only until the end of the month indicated on the expiration date. Do not use or store expired medication.
- Keep the medication in its original packaging until ready for use.
Reference
1) Cetrorelix: Drug information, UpToDate 2025
