Ganirelix Acetate

Clinical summary

Indications and usage INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ganirelix Acetate Injection is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Dosage and administration DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION After initiating FSH therapy on Day 2 or 3 of the cycle, Ganirelix Acetate Injection 250 mcg may be administered subcutaneously once daily during the mid to late portion of the follicular phase. By taking advantage of endogenous pituitary FSH secretion, the requirement for exogenously administered FSH may be reduced. Treatment with Ganirelix Acetate should be continued daily until the day of hCG administration. When a sufficient number of follicles of adequate size are present, as assessed by ultrasound, final maturation of follicles is induced by administering hCG. The administration of hCG should be withheld in cases where the ovaries are abnormally enlarged on the last day of FSH therapy to reduce the chance of developing OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome). Directions for Using Ganirelix Acetate Injection Ganirelix Acetate Injection is supplied in a single dose, sterile, prefilled syringe and is intended for SUBCUTANEOUS administration only. Air bubble(s) may be seen in the pre-filled syringe. This is expected, and removal of the air bubble(s) is not needed. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. The most convenient sites for SUBCUTANEOUS injection are in the abdomen around the navel or upper thigh. The injection site should be swabbed with a disinfectant to remove any surface bacteria. Clean about two inches around the point where the needle will be inserted and let the disinfectant dry for at least one minute before proceeding. With syringe held upward, remove needle cover. Pinch up a large area of skin between the finger and thumb. Vary the injection site a little with each injection. The needle should be inserted at the base of the pinched-up skin at an angle of 45–90° to the skin surface. When the needle is correctly positioned, it will be difficult to draw back on the plunger. If any blood is drawn into the syringe, the needle tip has penetrated a vein or artery. If this happens, withdraw the needle slightly and reposition the needle without removing it from the skin. Alternatively, remove the needle and use a new, sterile, prefilled syringe. Cover the injection site with a swab containing disinfectant and apply pressure; the site should stop bleeding within one or two minutes. Once the needle is correctly placed, depress the plunger slowly and steadily, so the solution is correctly injected and the skin is not damaged. Pull the syringe out quickly and apply pressure to the site with a swab containing disinfectant. Use the sterile, prefilled syringe only once. Discard the unused portion and dispose of it properly. Warnings and cautions WARNINGS Ganirelix Acetate Injection should be prescribed by physicians who are experienced in infertility treatment. Before starting treatment with Ganirelix Acetate, pregnancy must be excluded. Safe use of Ganirelix Acetate during pregnancy has not been established (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and PRECAUTIONS ). Drug interactions Drug Interactions No formal drug-drug interaction studies have been performed. Pregnancy Pregnancy Ganirelix Acetate Injection is contraindicated in pregnant women. When administered from Day 7 to near term to pregnant rats and rabbits at doses up to 10 and 30 mcg/day (approximately 0.4 to 3.2 times the human dose based on body surface area), Ganirelix Acetate increased the incidence of litter resorption. There was no increase in fetal abnormalities. No treatment-related changes in fertility, physical, or behavioral characteristics were observed in the offspring of female rats treated with Ganirelix Acetate during pregnancy and lactation. The effects on fetal resorption are logical consequences of the alteration in hormonal levels brought about by the antigonadotropic properties of this drug and could result in fetal loss in humans. Therefore, this drug should not be used in pregnant women (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).