Ganirelix 5mg

What is Ganirelix?

Ganirelix is a GnRH antagonist used primarily in assisted reproduction to regulate ovulation. By inhibiting the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the pituitary gland, it rapidly suppresses LH and FSH production and activity. Ganirelix is employed in fertility treatments to prevent premature ovulation, ensuring the harvest of mature eggs suitable for procedures like in vitro fertilization.

While GnRH agonists are occasionally used in reproductive therapy and to address sex-steroid hormone disorders, like endometriosis, GnRH antagonists offer the advantage of avoiding pituitary desensitization. Repeated administration of GnRH agonists leads to reduced gonadotropin and sex steroid levels, a drawback overcome by GnRH antagonists like ganirelix. The effectiveness of ganirelix in reproductive therapy is comparable to that of GnRH agonists.

Medical Applications

Ganirelix is administered as a fertility treatment medication for women. Its primary purpose is to avert premature ovulation in individuals with ovaries who are undergoing fertility treatments that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Premature ovulation can result in the release of immature eggs, which are unsuitable for in-vitro fertilization. Ganirelix effectively delays ovulation until it is intentionally induced through the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is a part of assisted reproductive technology (ART), often used in conjunction with procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). COH provides the advantage of scheduling IVF treatments. In this process, preventing premature LH surges is essential, as early spikes in LH can hinder the maturation of multiple follicles and lead to undesirable increases in progesterone levels. Ganirelix is designed to competitively block GnRH receptors on pituitary gonadotrophs, disrupting the related pathways and effectively suppressing premature LH surges. This suppression of gonadotropin secretion by ganirelix is swift and reversible, with a more pronounced impact on LH than on FSH. Ganirelix does not trigger an initial release of natural gonadotropins, aligning with its antagonist properties.

Contraindications

Ganirelix should not be administered to women who are already pregnant, and it is crucial to confirm the absence of pregnancy before starting treatment. Additionally, women using ganirelix should refrain from breastfeeding because it is uncertain whether ganirelix is excreted in breast milk.