Orgalutran Injection (Ganirelix acetate)

Indications

Orgalutran is a prescription medication used along with other fertility medications as part of controlled ovarian stimulation in women undergoing fertility treatment.

Orgalutran is an injection containing the active ingredient ganirelix, which is an antagonist of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone. It works by preventing premature ovulation during ovarian stimulation.

Use and Dosage

Orgalutran is administered as a subcutaneous injection once daily starting on day 5 or 6 of ovarian stimulation. It can be given as a single 0.25-mg injection under the skin once a day. Treatment should start on day 5 or 6 after the start of ovarian stimulation with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or corifollitropin alfa (a modified FSH).

To use Orgalutran injection, follow these procedures:

1. Prepare the injection site by washing your hands and cleaning the injection area with an alcohol swab.
2. Remove an Orgalutran syringe from the fridge and allow it to warm to room temperature before using.
3. Pull off the needle cap and pinch a fold of skin at your preferred injection site - usually the thigh or abdomen.
4. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle and push down on the plunger to inject the medication. Hold the syringe in place for a few seconds after injecting.
5. Withdraw the needle at the same angle and apply pressure to the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze for several minutes.

Use Orgalutran exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible. If you are more than 6 hours late (i.e., the time between 2 injections is longer than 30 hours), give the dose as soon as possible and contact your doctor for further instruction. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Orgalutran Injection (Ganirelix acetate):

• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Feeling generally unwell
• Headache
• Hot flushes
• Lack or loss of strength or energy
• Pain
• Nausea
• Redness, swelling, or irritation at the place of injection

Serious Side Effects of Orgalutran Injection (Ganirelix acetate):

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Cramping in the abdomen
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Hives
• Lightheadedness
• Shoulder pain
• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• Vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge of fluid or tissue

Forms and Strength

Orgalutran Injection (Ganirelix acetate) is available in the following forms and strength:

Ganirelix acetate: Injection

• 25mg/0.5mL

Cautions

• Allergic reactions: Orgalutran contains albumin which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Monitor for symptoms of an allergic reaction like rash, hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing etc.
• Injection site reactions: Orgalutran is given by injection which can cause pain, redness, swelling and itching at the injection site.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Orgalutran is used for IVF treatment and can increase the risk of OHSS which causes abdominal bloating, pain and enlarged ovaries. Monitor for signs and symptoms of OHSS.
• Pregnancy related risks: Orgalutran is only recommended for use in women who are not pregnant. Stop using it if pregnancy occurs.
• Effectiveness: Orgalutran must be administered properly at the recommended dosage and schedule for it to be effective.
• Hypersensitivity: Like other drugs, Orgalutran can cause hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. Monitor for symptoms like rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swollen eyes or face.
• Effect on endometrial lining: Ganirelix can negatively impact the endometrial lining, reducing its thickness and quality. Thin lining may decrease IVF success rates.
• Premature LH surge: Ganirelix is used to prevent premature LH surge, but it may not work for some patients, allowing a surge to still occur which can reduce IVF outcomes.
• Ovarian torsion: Ganirelix stimulation of the ovaries may in rare cases lead to ovarian torsion which requires emergency surgery.
• Multiple pregnancies: Ganirelix increases the chance of hyperstimulation and lots of mature eggs, which increases the risk of multiple pregnancies from IVF.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I store it in the fridge?

Orgalutran should be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C - 8°C (36°F - 46°F) and protected from light. It should not be frozen.

How long does the effect last?

After an Orgalutran injection, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors remain blocked for about 24 to 48 hours, so injections are typically given once daily during the fertility treatment cycle.

Is this a habit-forming medicine?

No habit-forming tendencies were reported.

Resources

• https://www.1mg.com/drugs/orgalutran-0.25mg-injection-135728
• https://discountdrugsfromcanada.com/prescription-drugs/o/orgalutran-injection-ganirelix-ganirelix-acetate.html
• https://www.practo.com/medicine-info/orgalutran-injection-55865
• https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/orgalutran
• https://www.drugs.com/uk/orgalutran.html
• https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/overview/orgalutran-epar-summary-public_en.pdf
• https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Orgalutran.aspx