Fertilon

Indications

Gonadorelin is a man-made copy of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the natural brain hormone that controls fertility. It is used mainly in veterinary practice, especially in dairy and beef cows, to treat ovarian follicular cysts, to bring on ovulation at the right time, to improve conception rates at insemination, and as part of breeding synchronisation programmes. In human medicine it is used only in specialist centres, for example as a test of pituitary gland function or, by pump, to start ovulation in certain women with infertility. The use depends on the product; check the label for whether it is for animals or people.

How It Works

Gonadorelin acts on the pituitary gland at the base of the brain and makes it release two fertility hormones, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A dose given at the right time produces a surge of LH that makes a mature follicle in the ovary release its egg (ovulation) or turns a cyst into a body that produces progesterone, helping the normal breeding cycle restart.

Dosage and Administration

Veterinary products: given by injection into the muscle by a veterinarian or trained technician, with the dose and timing set by the product label and the veterinarian according to the animal and breeding programme. Human use: as prescribed by a fertility or hormone specialist; it is given by injection or a small pump by health professionals. It is not for self-treatment.

Interactions

Gonadorelin is often used together with Prostaglandin (such as Cloprostenol) and progesterone devices in planned breeding programmes; follow the schedule exactly, as wrong timing reduces results. In people, other hormone medicines, Spironolactone, Levodopa, Digoxin, oral contraceptives and medicines that raise prolactin (such as some antipsychotics) can affect the response or test results; tell the specialist about all medicines.

Contraindications

• Known allergy to Gonadorelin or any ingredient.
• Animals: follow the label; do not use in conditions it lists, and do not use to treat infertility caused by other problems such as infection or poor nutrition without veterinary diagnosis.
• People: pregnancy, hormone-sensitive tumours, or ovarian cysts not caused by lack of GnRH, unless the specialist decides otherwise.

Side Effects

In animals it is usually well tolerated; mild swelling or pain at the injection site may occur. In people, possible effects include headache, nausea, flushing, abdominal discomfort, injection-site reactions and, when used for fertility, multiple pregnancy or ovarian over-stimulation.

Get urgent medical help if a person develops signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash), or, during fertility treatment, severe stomach pain or swelling, sudden weight gain or breathlessness. Contact a veterinarian if a treated animal shows unusual signs.

Pregnancy and Lactation

In humans it is not used during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should avoid handling or accidentally injecting the veterinary product, and should wear gloves. A small amount may pass into breast milk; breastfeeding women should use it only as advised by a doctor. In animals, use around pregnancy only as the veterinarian directs. Follow any milk or meat withdrawal period on the veterinary label.

Precautions and Warnings

• Take care to avoid accidental self-injection; if it happens, seek medical advice and show the label.
• Wash hands after handling.
• Accurate heat detection, nutrition and herd health are needed for good results in animals.
• Human use must be supervised by a specialist with hormone and ultrasound monitoring.

Overdose

A single extra dose is unlikely to cause serious harm in animals; contact the veterinarian. In people, an overdose may cause headache or nausea and, during fertility treatment, over-stimulation of the ovaries; contact the doctor.

Therapeutic Class

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue; reproductive hormone.

Storage

Store as directed on the pack; many products are kept at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children and away from food and animal feed.