| Drug | Actions | Side Effects | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Decapeptyl (subcutaneous injection) | • Act on the ovaries in IVF cycles. • Also provide a more controlled situation for ovarian stimulation and the production of follicles. • May also be used to induce ovulation before Egg Pick-Up (EPU). | • mild headaches • hot flushes • mood swings • breast tenderness • vaginal dryness • changed sex drive | • Decapeptyl: refrigerate |
| • Orgalutran (Antagonists) | • Used in IVF to prevent premature ovulation by stopping the normal rise in Luteinising Hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation. | • headaches • nausea • itchiness • soreness and redness over the injection site | • Orgalutran: store below 30ºC |
| • Gonal F (FSH) | • Fertility hormones prescribed to encourage the development of follicles in the ovary to help recruit multiple eggs. | • abdominal tenderness and swelling • breast tenderness • mood swings • nausea • dizziness • headaches • fluid retention • tender ovaries • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) | • Refrigerate |
| • Ovidrel (subcutaneous injection) | • Induces ovulation before EPU and supports the lining of the uterus after embryo transfer. It is usually given 34–36 hours before egg collection and is commonly known as a “trigger” injection. | • nausea • abdominal bloating • constipation • soreness and redness over the injection site • breast tenderness • tender ovaries • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) | • Refrigerate |
| • Oripro Pessaries (Luteal medications) | • Contain a natural progesterone hormone that is prescribed to support the lining of the uterus after embryo transfer in IVF treatment. | • uterine cramping • headaches • sleepiness • dizziness • nausea • abdominal pain • constipation • difficulty passing urine • thrush-like symptoms | • Oriporo: store below 25ºC |
| • Progynova (oral tablet) | • Progynova is a synthetic hormone replacement for estrogen. It is used to build up the lining of the uterus in preparation for embryo transfer during a frozen cycle for women who do not ovulate regularly. | • breast tenderness • bloating • mood changes • nausea • headaches | • Store at room temperature below 25ºC |
First Step Fertility is a low cost IVF and fertility clinic dedicated to bringing your dream of parenthood within financial reach.