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Cetrotide and Antagon in IVFCetrotide and Antagon (GnRH Antagonists) Cetrotide and Antagon are examples of another type of medication that is used to prevent premature ovulation. This class of medications is called GnRH antagonists or simply antagonists. Cetrotide and Antagon are newer medications than Lupron and so they are not used as much. We have been using antagonists as part of our primary IVF protocol for several years now. A primary advantage of Cetrotide and Antagon is that they do not have a “flare phase” phase. Down regulation (suppression) of the pituitary occurs immediately. Therefore, it is not necessary to start these medications before the fertility medications begin (see picture). Cetrotide or Antagon would normally be started after 4-5 days after the start of the fertility medications. This shortens the number of days that a woman must take injections. In some women, the flare effect can cause the development of cysts in the ovaries that could further delay the start of fertility medications. Cetrotide and Antagon avoid this potential problem. An IVF cycle that is using antagonists will typically have the fertility medications begin on the second or third day after the onset of a period. Baseline assessment of hormones by blood test and the ovaries by ultrasound are performed on the second or third day. Another advantage of Cetrotide and Antagon is that it allows the physician to start treatment in the same menstrual cycle as the baseline evaluation. Some experts believe that IVF cycles that use Lupron for pituitary suppression, may cause some women to become "over-suppressed" and therefore not respond as well to the fertility medications. Whether this occurs or not is subject to some debate. However, with the use of antagonists, there is no concern for this problem. Learn about Fertility drugs to stimulate eggs for IVF. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 01 February 2008 ) |