Home Drug Guide Ganirelix Acetate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Ganirelix Acetate

Brand Names Fyremadel

Classification

Therapeutic: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist

Pharmacological: Peptide hormone

FDA Approved Indications

  • Controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures to prevent premature ovulation

Mechanism of Action

Ganirelix competitively binds to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland, thereby inhibiting the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), preventing premature ovulation during ART.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically, 0.25 mg subcutaneously once daily, starting on day 5 of ovarian stimulation, until the day of hCG administration.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use.

Geriatric: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustments are established.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustments established.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustments established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid, subcutaneous absorption.

Distribution: Widely distributed with a volume of distribution approximately 27-38 L.

Metabolism: Metabolized by plasma peptidases.

Excretion: Primarily excreted as peptides in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 16-18 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to ganirelix or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Use during pregnancy unless clearly needed; monitor for severe allergic reactions; caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to similar peptides.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling) (Common)
  • Headache (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis (Rare)
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • No significant interactions documented.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • None established.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • None established.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor ovarian response and serum LH, FSH levels as indicated.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
  • Anxiety related to fertility treatments

Implementation: Administer subcutaneously as prescribed; observe for allergic reactions.

Evaluation: Assess ovarian response and confirm the prevention of premature ovulation.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient on proper injection technique.
  • Inform about possible side effects and when to seek medical attention.
  • Explain the importance of adherence to medication schedule.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specifically related to ganirelix, but caution should be observed in patients with hypersensitivity.

Genetic Factors: No known genetic considerations.

Lab Test Interference: May alter hormone levels used in monitoring ovarian stimulation.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Uncommon; overdose may increase risk of adverse reactions such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Treatment: Supportive care; symptomatic management; no specific antidote.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Keep in original container to protect from light.

Stability: Stable until the expiration date when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.