6. Medications
For IVF cycles using the Antagon Protocol, there are five main medications. Brand names of the medications you use will vary, so we've listed the generic name on the left-hand column, with general information on each medication at the top of the right-hand columns. For usage instructions of the specific brand-name medication you will be using, click on the icons below (antagon cycle & antagon cycle).
Estrogen Pills | Estrogen pills (Estrace) are used in IVF cycles to thicken your uterine lining (endometrium), so that your uterus is ready to welcome the transferred embryo(s).
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Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) | Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is used in IVF cycles to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.
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Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
N/A | ||||
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG) | hMG contains natural follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In IVF cycles, hMG is used to regulate ovulation and encourage growth of multiple eggs when clomiphene citrate did not work well.
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Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
N/A | ||||
Ganirelix Acetate (GnRH Antagonist) | In IVF cycles, Ganirelix Acetate (often called Antagon, even though it's a brand name--a bit like Band Aid and Hoover) is used to prevent premature ovulation. Ganirelix Acetate suppresses Luteinizing Hormone, which would normally let your ovary to release the mature egg (i.e., ovulation). Ganirelix Acetate is taken as subcutaneous injections. | |||
Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
Antagon | N/A | N/A | ||
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) | hCG is similar to LH. In an IVF cycle, one-time injection of hCG is used to trigger ovulation to get your mature eggs ready for insemination. You should wait until you are instructed specifically to administer this injection.
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Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
N/A | ||||
Pregnyl | N/A | N/A | ||
Profasi | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Progesterone | Progesterone is used to thicken your endometrium (lining of the uterus) so that the implantation of fertilized egg(s) will be easier. Medications used in ovarian stimulation can suppress progesterone levels in your body, so it is important to supplement it with exogenous progesterone. You will be taking both Progesterone injections and Prometrium vaginally.
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Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
Prometrium® | N/A | |||
Progesterone | N/A | N/A | ||
Micronized Estradiol | Micronized estradiol helps maintain and build your uterine lining so that the transferred embryos will find a comfortable environment there.
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Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
Estrace | N/A | N/A | ||
Micronized DHEA | DHEA improvers the quality of eggs and embryos.
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Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
FERTINATAL® | N/A | N/A | ||
Coenzyme Q10 | Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) improvers the quality of eggs and embryos.
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Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
OVOENERGENTM | N/A | N/A | ||
Baby Aspirin | Aspirin helps increases blood supply to your uterus and ovary. It also prevents clotting.
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Prenatal Vitamins | Prenatal vitamins, such as Folate, will help prevent neural tube defects. Iron will build up your blood count. Calcium helps build your babies' bones and will help you maintain yours.
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Prednisone | Prednisone suppresses male hormones and immune function.
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Brand Name | Printable Instruction | Video Instructions | Prescribing Information | |
Prednisone | N/A | N/A | ||
Doxycycline | Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to prevent infection after the egg retrieval.
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7. FAQs
Why am I using Antagon (GnRH antagonist)?
This type of cycle is used if you have had poor results using other, more conservative, protocols. Your doctor may also choose an antagonist protocol if your laboratory tests indicate very poor ovarian reserve. All IVF cycles use some medications to protect against spontaneous ovulation.
What does GnRH antagonist do?
The GnRH antagonist prevents your pituitary gland from secreting LH. Preventing a mid-cycle LH surge will protect you from ovulating too soon.
Why don't I take GnRH antagonist from the beginning of the cycle?
We have you start the GnRH antagonist later in the cycle, because it's a strong medication that might prevent your normal response to fertility medications.
What are the possible problems in an antagonist cycle?
Even with careful monitoring, you might ovulate spontaneously.
8. Completion/Question Form
For future reference, we recommend printing this page (a printer-friendly version is here). Please click here for the Completion/Question Form where you will be asked to answer a few questions on this IVF training material, as well as have an opportunity to ask additional questions, if you have any. After you have submitted the Completion/Question Form, you will be asked to print out a certificate, so that you can bring it in with you the next time you have an appointment with CHR.
Dr. David H. Barad
David H. Barad, MD, MS, is an expert reproductive endocrinologist with decades of experience in treating women with aging ovaries and patients with multiple failed IVF cycles. Dr. Barad is Director of Assisted Reproductive Technology and Senior Scientist at CHR.
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