Drugs that may be used during fertility treatment
All injections should be administered into the lower abdominal wall and given as instructed by staff.
1. GnRH-a drugs (Buserelin, Synarel, Prostap)
These drugs are given as either a nasal spray or an injection. The aim of this medication is to switch off the fertility hormones produced by the body. The most common side effects therefore resemble symptoms of the menopause, such as: hot flushes, sweating, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
Depending on where you start the drug in your cycle you may have a period. This is normal and we expect this to happen.
Other side effects that you may experience are: headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, anxiety, memory, concentration and sleep disturbances, nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, increased thirst, and palpitations.
The injections may cause redness, swelling, bruising, pain, stiffness and itching at the site of injection. Soreness may be reduced by using alternative sites for injection.
Immediately after starting the down-regulation drugs, a burst of your own hormones may be released. This could increase your fertility for a few days increasing the risk of a multiple pregnancy. It is therefore advisable that you use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom throughout your treatment cycle.
2. Gonadotrophins (Ovaleap/Meriofert)
The injections may cause redness, swelling, bruising, pain, stiffness and itching at the site of injection. Soreness may be reduced by using alternative sites for injection.
As the ovaries begin to respond, you may experience abdominal discomfort and swelling or upset tummy, mood swings and increased vaginal discharge.
Other side effects include gastro-intestinal disturbances, headache, joint pain, and fever.
Ovaleap needs to be stored in the fridge.
You may mix up to 6 Meriofert (75iu) powders to one liquid but further information on this will be given from staff.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
This condition may occur when the ovaries over respond to the drugs and can be present in varying degrees of severity.
- Mild – May occur to some degree in most women. Women may feel nauseous with vomiting or diarrhoea and some abdominal swelling
- Moderate – Additional symptoms may be an increase in abdominal swelling and discomfort
- Severe – A significant collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity, reduced urine production, breathlessness, and more severe abdominal discomfort. In some severe cases hospitalisation may be required for intensive management of this condition. In these cases, the treatment may need to be stopped and restarted at a later date following full recovery.
OHSS is less likely to occur with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) of Donor Insemination (DI) treatment and all fertility treatments are carefully monitored in order to identify this condition quickly.
- Gonadotrophin treatment for intrauterine insemination – the overall risk is 20-25% but can be limited with ultrasound monitoring. Ensuring treatment is abandoned if more than three follicles are maturing.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – the risk is minimised by limiting the number of embryos transferred into the womb. Please see IVF booklet for further information.
3. Fyremadel/Cetrotide
You may have been given this medication to be used in conjunction with the Gonadotrophin injections.
This is also a daily injection which may cause redness, swelling, bruising, pain, stiffness and itching at the site of injection. Soreness may be reduced by using alternative sites for injection.
Other side effects include: nausea, headache and rarely hypersensitivity reactions.
Fyremadel needs to be stored below 25˚C, not in the refrigerator.
Cetrotide needs to be stored in the fridge.
4. HCG – Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (Zivafert)
This is an injection which is used to trigger ovulation and mature oocytes (eggs) and is used in preparation for an egg collection or before an insemination (IUI/DI).
Zivafert does not need to be kept in the fridge.
As this is an injection you may get some local reaction at the site of the injection i.e., redness, itching, swelling, and bruising. Occasionally headaches and tiredness have also been reported.
It is important to administer this drug at the time discussed with you or specified on your information sheet.
5. Progesterone (Cyclogest/Lubion)
This medication is used to maintain the thickness of the endometrium. Side effects of Progesterone are feeling bloated, breast tenderness, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. It can also cause some local skin reactions and you may also get some white vaginal discharge.
If you have a positive pregnancy test we will recommend continuing progesterone until 12 weeks of pregnancy, but this will be discussed with you individually.
Potential Risk Of Cancer
There are a number of inconclusive and unconfirmed reports linking fertility drugs with ovarian, uterine and breast cancers. It will take many years before we can know for sure. Our aim is to limit the amount of drugs you receive to achieve the desired response with minimal side effects and long-term health risks.
Contact Us
If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us as there will always be someone happy to help:
Telephone: 0191 445 2768 (Direct Line) Email: [email protected]
or in the case of an EMERGENCY please call 0191 482 0000 and ask for a member of the IVF Doctor on call after office hours.