Uses
Gonadorelin is used by women who are missing menstrual periods due to low levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It may be used as part of female infertility treatment. This medication provides GnRH that the body needs for the growth and release of mature eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using gonadorelin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Gonadorelin is injected into a vein or under the skin using an infusion pump, as directed by your doctor. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the medication package. Follow all instructions for using the infusion pump. Do not mix this medication until you are ready to use it. Before using this medication, check the solution visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the solution.
Before each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. If you are injecting the medication under the skin, change the injection site as directed by your doctor to lessen injury under the skin. If you are injecting the medication into a vein, you do not need to change the injection site unless directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can closely monitor your response and adjust your dosage if necessary. Do not change the dose unless directed by your doctor, and do not use this medication for a longer period than prescribed.
Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Headache, nausea, and mild abdominal pain may occur with menstrual bleeding. Injection site reactions (such as mild irritation, redness, bruising) may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, agitation)
- signs of infection (such as redness/pain/swelling/warmth at the injection site that doesn't go away, fever, chills)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using gonadorelin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- ovarian cysts
- kidney disease
- tumors of the pituitary gland (such as prolactinoma)
- cancer of the reproductive organs (such as ovary, breast, uterus)
- mental/mood problems (such as depression)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Use of gonadorelin may cause multiple births (such as twins, triplets). Discuss the risks and benefits of having such a pregnancy with your doctor.
This medication may be used during the first trimester of pregnancy as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is unknown if gonadorelin passes into breast milk. This medication is usually not used by nursing women. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- other medications that cause ovulation
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and medical tests (such as blood hormone levels for estradiol/progesterone, ultrasounds) should be done while you are using this medication. Your doctor may ask you to monitor your body temperature. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
