In my previous article, 'So You Want To Be An Egg Donor?' I discussed the various drugs used during the egg donation process. These drugs are also used if you are going through IVF. In this article I will discuss these drugs in more depth.
Menopur (Menothrophin):
This is a fertility drug which induces artificial ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries) and is usually injected on a daily basis throughout the IVF process.
As well as inducing ovulation, it is used to treat poor sperm count in men.
Composition:
It contains menothrophin, lactose, sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid, and comes with ampoules of sodium chloride solution for injection.
Side-Effects:
Nausea, vomiting, rash, pain in joints, injection site pain, fever, allergic reactions. In some cases, menopur can cause a hyper-stimulation of the ovaries. If you have any abdominal pain, tell your doctor immediately.
If menopur results in pregnancy, there is a higher chance of twins and multiple births. There is also a greater than average chance of miscarriage.
Contraindications (people who should not use menopur):
- Anyone suffering from tumour's of the uterus, ovaries, breasts, pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
- Anyone with cysts on the ovaries or enlarged ovaries.
- Anyone with blocked tubes or other physical defect of the uterus.
- Anyone with abnormal bleeding of the vagina.
- People with premature menopause.
- Those who are breast feeding (high levels of the hormone prolactin can suppress the drug's effect).
- People with thyroid or adrenal gland problems.
- Pregnant mothers.
- Anyone with an allergy to any of menopur's ingredients.
In me
- Anyone suffering from testicular cancer, prostate cancer, pituitary cancer or hypothalamus.
- Those with thyroid or adrenal gland problems.
- Anyone with an allergy to any of menopur's ingredients.
Suprecur (Buserelin Acetate):
This is a shut down drug which temporarily shuts down your ovulation so that any extra eggs created by the menopur are not released into the womb. In this way, they can be harvested by the doctors when ready. Suprecur is available as an injection and a nasal spray.
Composition:
The nasal spray contains buserelin acetate, citric acid, sodium chloride, benzalconium chloride in an aqueous solution. The injection contains: buserelin acetate, sodium hydroxide, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, benzyl alcohol, water.
Side-Effects:
Redness, pain and swelling of the injection site, decrease in sex drive, dryness of the vagina, hot flushes, decrease in bone density. Long-term use can also cause a type of brain tumour. Headaches, palpitations, nervousness, drowiness, dizziness, depression, lapses in memory, stomach pain and upset, changes in weight, shoulder pain, lactation when not pregnant, breast tenderness, dry skin, vaginal discharge, increase or decrease in scalp hair, buzzing or ringing in ears, earache, hearing difficulties, dry eyes, splitting nails, feeling of thirst, water retention, pins and needles, swelling of face or limbs, allergic reactions.
Contraindications:
- Anyone who is pregnant or breast feeding
- Anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer or depression
- Anyone with unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients of suprecur.
Sources:
- Menothropin data sheet, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, February 2000.
- Sanofi Aventis, UK, Suprecur Nasal Spray, 29 August 2006.
- Suprecur injection data sheet, Aventis, August 2005.
