Cetrorelix
Also known as: Cetrotide
Cetrorelix competitively blocks pituitary GnRH receptors, immediately and reversibly suppressing LH and FSH release to prevent a premature LH surge without the initial flare seen with GnRH agonists.
- Drug class
- GnRH antagonist (synthetic decapeptide)
- Primary targets
- GnRH receptor, Pituitary gonadotrophs, Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Dose reference
- Reference label regimens (not recommendations): 0.25 mg subcutaneously every 24 hours during the late follicular phase, or a single 3 mg subcutaneous dose providing at least 4 days of action.
- Half-life
- Median ~5 hours after a single 0.25 mg dose and ~62.8 hours after a single 3 mg dose (Cetrotide label)
- Developer / origin
- Originated with ASTA Medica (Germany); US product marketed by EMD Serono
- Reference year
- 2000
- Evidence score
- 4/5 - Strong
Approved uses
- Inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation
Strong
Cetrorelix is FDA-approved (2000) with a clear labeled indication, well-characterized pharmacology, and supporting IVF literature; evidence is strong but narrow to controlled ovarian stimulation.
Investigational compound with human randomized or phase 2/3 evidence.
Evidence basis
- FDA-approved Cetrotide prescribing information defines indication, dosing, pharmacokinetics and safety
- Peer-reviewed reviews and pharmacodynamic studies characterize GnRH antagonist mechanism and LH/FSH suppression
- Multiple IVF clinical studies evaluate antagonist protocols using cetrorelix
How to read this entry
Dose references and half-life values are pulled from trial protocols, labels, reviews, or published summaries where available. They are context for research and comparison, not a personal dosing recommendation.
Status matters: approved drugs have regulated indications; investigational compounds are still being studied; research-only peptides do not have established human dosing, safety, or efficacy for consumer use.
Cetrorelix guides
Read the matching guide or adjacent research pages for more context.
Peptide calculators
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