Sunday, October 11, 2009

What is the purpose of Lupron during IVF?

According to http://www.chicago-ivf.com/Treatment/Medications.aspx

"Lupron - (leuprolide acetate)


Lupron (leuprolide acetate) - Lupron is a synthetic preparation chemically similar to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) a hormone produced by the hypothalamus of the brain. GnRH travels to the pituitary gland through the vascular system and causes it to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulation hormone (FSH). FSH causes ovarian follicles to grow and LH causes ovulation to occur. FSH and LH together act on the ovaries to cause estrogen levels to rise.
Lupron is administered by subcutaneous injection and is supplied in a 2.8 ml multidose vial. Lupron is most commonly used when a patient is undergoing a stimulation cycle with injectable fertility drugs (Pergonal, Repronex, Humegon, Metrodin, Gonal-F, Follistim) are used. Lupron "down regulates" or "shuts down" the females hormone system. It suppresses the production of follicle stimulating and leutinizing hormone. Endometriosis responds to Lupron because endometrial tissue depends on the by products of these hormones.
For ART protocols Lupron is usually given in either of two ways:

1. In down regulation (Meldrum) protocols Lupron is started twice daily about 7 days after ovulation has occurred, prior to the anticipated ART cycle. When continuous doses of Lupron are given the pituitary gland becomes "desensitized" and stops producing LH and FSH. Estrogen levels then drop. This inhibition reverses upon cessation of Lupron. When the estrogen levels are low, the daily injections of FSH are begun. This FSH stimulates the development of eggs within the ovarian follicle.
2. The second method is often referred to at the "Flare" or "Garcia" protocol. In this protocol, Lupron is begun once daily beginning on cycle day 2. FSH is initiated twice daily on cycle day 5 to take advantage of the initial Lupron/estrogen response (Flair).
There are many variations of protocols and dosages. Your physician will tailor your protocol to your specific needs.
When scheduling an ART procedure ovulation must be timed precisely. Ovulation is triggered by leutinizing hormone, and Lupron suppresses leutinizing hormone. Ovulation cannot occur in patients receiving Lupron, unless outside LH is administered. The body recognizes hCG as leutinizing hormone and therefore an injection of hCG triggers ovulation.
The side effects of Lupron can include flushing, sweats, and mood alteration, breast tenderness or pain, constipation, dizziness, headache, fatigue, irritation at the injection site, and vaginal dryness. These potential side effects are temporary and abate after cessation of the drug. (http://www.chicago-ivf.com/Treatment/Medications.aspx)"

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Actually many side effects of Lupron are permanent. The Endometriosis Resarch Center estimates 1 in 4 users suffer permanent side effects. See www.lupronvictimshub.com for more details.

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