Reproductive · FDA Approved
Cetrorelix (Cetrotide)
FDA-approved
01 · Overview
A synthetic decapeptide GnRH antagonist that competitively blocks pituitary GnRH receptors, rapidly suppressing LH and FSH without the initial flare effect seen with GnRH agonists (PMID 27126581).
Cetrorelix prevents premature LH surges during controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF, allowing timing of oocyte maturation and retrieval.
02 · Research summary & key findings
FDA-approved in 2000 (Cetrotide, now also available as generics) for inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. A Cochrane review of 73 trials found GnRH antagonist protocols substantially reduced OHSS compared with long agonist protocols without reducing live birth rates (PMID 27126581). Antagonist start can be fixed (stimulation day 5-6) or flexible (by follicle size), but a network meta-analysis found flexible protocols were associated with lower ongoing pregnancy rates than fixed protocols, based on low-certainty evidence (PMID 36594696).
03 · Regulatory status
Cetrorelix (Cetrotide) has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.
Cetrorelix (Cetrotide) is an FDA-approved medicine prescribed for the conditions on its label. It is not part of our intake, so we do not propose protocols for it. If you think it may be relevant to you, talk to your own doctor. How to ask your doctor.
Looking for a lawful, clinician-prescribed option for hormone optimization?
Cetrorelix (Cetrotide) is prescribed for the conditions on its label, and it is not part of our intake. If you are working on hormone optimization, a licensed clinician can tell you at a free consultation whether an FDA-approved or lawfully compounded treatment fits you, or whether nothing does.
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04 · Administration routes
- Subcutaneous injection
References
- [1]Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists for assisted reproductive technology Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2016. PMID 27126581
- [2]What is the optimal GnRH antagonist protocol for ovarian stimulation during ART treatment? A systematic review and network meta-analysis Hum Reprod Update, 2023. PMID 36594696
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Cetrorelix"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Cetrorelix"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Cetrorelix"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.