What is Antagon (Ganirelix)?
Ganirelix is a man-made form of a protein that reduces the amount of certain hormones in the body, including estrogen.
Ganirelix is used along with other medications to regulate hormones during treatment for infertility in women.
Ganirelix may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Antagon (Ganirelix)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ganirelix or similar medications such as leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard), goserelin (Zoladex), or nafarelin (Synarel).
Before using ganirelix, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex rubber.
Do not use ganirelix if you are already pregnant. Your doctor may give you a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before you receive ganirelix.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
During your treatment with ganirelix, your blood may need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor. You must remain under the care of your doctor while using ganirelix.
Some women using this medicine have developed a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first treatment cycle. OHSS can be a life-threatening condition. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of OHSS: severe pelvic or stomach pain, swelling or rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or urinating less than usual.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Antagon (Ganirelix)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ganirelix or similar medications such as leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard), goserelin (Zoladex), or nafarelin (Synarel).
Before using ganirelix, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex rubber.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use ganirelix if you are already pregnant. Your doctor may give you a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before you receive ganirelix. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ganirelix passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Antagon Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Antagon (Ganirelix)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some women using this medicine have developed a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first treatment cycle. OHSS can be a life-threatening condition. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of OHSS:
- severe pelvic pain
- swelling of the hands or legs
- stomach pain and swelling
- shortness of breath
- weight gain
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting; or
- urinating less than normal
Less serious side effects may include:
- pelvic pain (similar to menstrual cramps)
- mild nausea or stomach pain
- headache
- vaginal bleeding; or
- pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Antagon Interactions
What other drugs affect Antagon (Ganirelix)?
There may be other drugs that can interact with ganirelix. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Antagon (Ganirelix)?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Antagon Dosage
How should I take Antagon (Ganirelix)?
Ganirelix is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Ganirelix is usually given once daily for several days in a row during certain phases of your fertility treatment cycle. Follow your doctor’s instructions and try not to miss any doses.
Each single-use prefilled syringe of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away the vial after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
During your treatment with ganirelix, your blood may need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor. You must remain under the care of your doctor while using ganirelix.
Store the ganirelix prefilled syringe at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and light.
What happens if I overdose on Antagon (Ganirelix)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a ganirelix overdose are not known.
What happens if I miss a dose of Antagon (Ganirelix)?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com