Orgalutran (Ganirelix) is a prescription medication used to treat women with certain fertility treatments (such as excessive ovarian stimulation). Infertility is a condition in which couples are finding it challenging to conceive despite regular unprotected sexual intercourse for at least a year. This medication prevents premature ovulation in women who are undergoing ovarian stimulation as part of their fertility treatment. Ganirelix is usually used with other hormones (FSH and hCG). The active ingredient in Orgalutran is Ganirelix. Ganirelix belongs to the group of medications called Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Antagonists. It works by blocking the release of a certain hormone (luteinizing hormone), thereby preventing the release of eggs too early and giving them time to develop correctly.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Orgalutran from Canada manufactured by Merck in the strength of 250 mcg/0.5 ml injection syringe. The generic version is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any signs of an allergic reaction while taking Orgalutran. The most common side effects of Orgalutran may include:
• Headache;
• Injection site pain, swelling, or redness;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Pelvic pain;
• Vaginal bleeding
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Excessive vaginal bleeding;
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which results in a build-up of fluid in the chest and abdomen;
• Recurrent vaginal infection;
• Severe nausea and vomiting
Before using Ganirelix, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or similar medication containing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); or if you have any other allergies. Orgalutran comes as a prefilled syringe, and it should be administered slowly just under the skin, preferably in the upper leg, by a medical doctor. If you administer the injections yourself or have it done by your partner, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Ganirelix should be injected under the skin of the upper thigh, as directed by your doctor. Hold the syringe with the needle facing down. Remove the needle cover. Pinch up a large area of skin between the finger and thumb. Insert the needle at the base of the pinched-up skin at 45°- 90° to the skin surface. Change the injection site with each daily injection. It is usually given once daily starting on day five or day 6 of your period. However, based on your ovarian response, your doctor may decide to start on another day. The duration of your treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and response to your treatment. Inform your doctor if you experience severe side effects.
Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are hypersensitive to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or a GnRH analogue;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have liver diseases such as hepatis B or C
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Your doctor will conduct a pregnancy test before commencing your Orgalutran injection. Stop receiving Orgalutran injections immediately after you become pregnant. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It is unknown if Ganirelix passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Orgalutran has no known drug reactions. Do not freeze. Store in the original package to protect from light. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
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