Lupron, Ganirelix, Cetrotide

IVF patients undergoing ovulation induction with FSH must not ovulate before their eggs are retrieved. Normally, the body releases a surge of LH to signal ovulation, which must not occur in an IVF cycle. Lupron and Ganirelix/Cetrotide allow the physician to precisely control the hormonal events occurring during the ovulatory cycle, including ovulation.

Lupron is a gonadotropin releasing hormone, GnRH, agonist meaning it blocks the production of GnRH at the hypothalamus by means of "down regulation". GnRH is produced by the hypothalamus and signals the pituitary to produce FSH and LH. When GnRH is blocked, the pituitary does not receive the signals to produce these hormones. Women undergoing a stimulation cycle receive FSH by injection and when the follicles mature an injection of hCG is given to stimulate ovulation.

Lupron is also used to treat endometriosis because it lowers estrogen levels upon which endometrial cells are dependent for support and growth. Ganirelix and Cetrotide are GnRH antagonists meaning they more directly block the effect of GnRH at the pituitary gland leading to a more complete suppression. One major advantage of these products is they are dosed less frequently than Lupron.

Lupron, Antagon, and Cetrotide are administered according to protocols.

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