|
ORDER
Patients undergoing assisted reproductive
technologies (IVF), and stimulated intrauterine insemination
(IUI), receive FSH (Follistim, Gonal-F, Bravelle,
Repronex) to stimulate the development of multiple
ovarian follicles, each of which contains an egg.
IVF patients also receive injections
of Lupron, Antagon, or Cetrotide to prevent premature
ovulation by inhibiting, or blocking, the production
of luteinizing hormone.
In a normal "unstimulated cycle",
the hypothalamus monitors the various hormone levels
and once the eggs mature, it releases GnRH, which
causes the pituitary to produce a high level (spike)
of LH, thus triggering ovulation.
Pregnyl is an injectable medication
consisting of natural human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG) derived from the placenta. The endocrine system
responds to a spike in hCG levels as if it were LH.
Therefore, an injection of Pregnyl dramatically increases
hCG levels and triggers ovulation 36 hours later.
The egg retrieval or intrauterine insemination is
scheduled to coincide with ovulation.
Ovidrel is pure hCG manufactured using
genetic recombinant technology in mammalian cells.
It contains none of the impurities that are found
in "human derived" products. An injection
of Ovidrel will cause ovulation in the same manner
as Pregnyl.
Luveris is pure LH and is manufactured
using recombinant DNA genetic technologies. Since
Luveris is identical to the bodies LH, it will cause
ovulation.  Luveris is currently indicated for use
in patients with severe LH/FSH deficiencies.
The physician can precisely adjust the dose of Luveris
to each individual patient.
We always have these products
in our extensive inventory. It can be very difficult
to locate pharmacies that stock products such
as hCG. In IVF, precise timing of the injection is
necessary for successful egg retrieval. We recommend
that patients purchase a "backup" vial of
hCG in case of breakage.
|
