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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cetrorelix (Cetrotide)?

Do not use cetrorelix without first talking to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Lupron, Antagon, Goserelin, Naferelin, Synarel, Zoladex), mannitol, or a medicine similar to cetrorelix.

It is not known whether cetrorelix passes into breast milk. Do not use cetrorelix without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Talk to your doctor before using cetrorelix if you have kidney disease or any renal (kidney) problems. Cetrorelix should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment.

How should I use cetrorelix (Cetrotide)?

Use cetrorelix exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Cetrorelix is intended for subcutaneous (under the skin) administration. If you are administering this medication at home, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to mix the solution and administer the injection. Do not inject cetrorelix if you are not sure how.

Cetrorelix may be prescribed for use as a single dose (3 mg), or for use once a day (0.25 mg). Your doctor will determine which treatment regimen is best for you. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Wash your hands well with soap and water before preparing and administering this medication.

To prepare the injection:

• On a clean surface, lay out everything that you need. Flip off the plastic cover of the vial. Wipe the aluminum ring and the rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe. Take the injection needle with the yellow mark and remove the wrapping. Take the pre-filled syringe (filled with sterile water for injection) and remove the cover. Put the needle on the pre-filled syringe and remove the cover. Push the needle through the center of the rubber stopper of the vial. Inject the water into the vial by slowly pushing the plunger of the syringe. Leave the syringe on the vial. Gently shake the vial until the solution is clear and without residue. Avoid forming bubbles during dissolution.
• Withdraw the entire contents of the vial into the syringe. If liquid is left in the vial, invert the vial, pull back the needle until the opening of the needle is just inside the stopper. If you look from the side through the gap in the stopper, you can control the movement of the needle and the liquid. It is important to withdraw the entire contents of the vial. Detach the syringe from the needle and lay down the syringe.
• Take the injection needle with the grey mark and remove its wrapping. Put the needle on the syringe and remove the cover of the needle. Invert the syringe and push the plunger until all air bubbles have been pushed out. Do not touch the needle or allow the needle to touch any surface.

To administer the injection:

• Choose an injection site at the lower abdominal wall, preferably around the belly button. If you are on a multiple dose (0.25 mg) regimen, choose a different injection site each day to minimize local irritation. Take the second alcohol wipe and clean the skin at the injection site. Inject the prescribed dose as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider.

Use the solution immediately after it is mixed. Throw away any medicine that is left over.

Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal container.

Store the 3 mg cetrorelix product at room temperature, away from direct light, moisture, and heat. Keep the packaged tray in the outer carton to protect it from light.

Store the 0.25 mg cetrorelix product in the refrigerator in the original outer carton , to protect it from light and moisture.

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