Leuprolide Trigger
Lupron is a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone agonist (GnRH) and can be used for the purpose of triggering final egg maturation and ovulation is used during a protocol without down regulation...
Lupron is a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone agonist (GnRH) and can be used for the purpose of triggering final egg maturation and ovulation is used during a protocol without down regulation (see Lupron for down regulation). In this case, Lupron causes a surge of LH that in turn causes final egg maturation in preparation for ovulation, making egg retrieval possible. This protocol is often used in patients with a high risk of ovary hyperstimulation syndrome, a dangerous condition that can occur more often with the use of a traditional hCG trigger medication like Pregnyl or Ovidrel. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor before starting your protocol. GnRH agonists can be used as an hCG trigger medication alternative when a patient is at a high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Traditional hCG medications can linger in your system for up to ten days after your trigger shot. This can cause the hormone levels in your ovaries to continue fluctuating after your retrieval, causing a “hormonal storm.” The use of GnRH agonists as an alternative does not have as high a risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome because the agonists linger in your system for a much shorter time after administration. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be dangerous and if you are concerned, be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning your protocol.
Administration
Step 1: Check Your Med Type
1 minutes
Your Lupron trigger medication may look different than the provided prep videos. This is likely because your medication came from a compounding pharmacy. If this is the case, be sure to check with your pharmacist for specific administration instructions.
Step 2: Gather your supplies and wash your hands
1 minutes
- You will need: a vial of Lupron, a orange-capped MonoJect syringe or a 1ml syringe, a mixing needle, alcohol pads and a sharps disposal.
Step 3: Draw up your dose
2 minutes
- Double check the dosage prescribed by your doctor because the dosages of leuprolide can vary greatly depending on your treatment.
- Clean off the top of the medication vial with an alcohol pad and let it air dry. Uncap the needle and insert it into the vial of Lupron. Invert the vial and draw the prescribed amount of Lupron into the syringe. Withdraw the needle.
- With the needle pointing up, tap on the barrel of the syringe and gently push the plunger to expel all of the air until a tiny drop of medication appears at the tip of the needle.
Step 4: Pick your injection site
1 minutes
- Measure 1-2 inches below your belly button and off to the right or left. Switch sides with each injection to help relieve any tenderness that develops. Using an alcohol wipe, wipe off your chosen spot and let it air dry.
Step 5: Administer the injection
1 minutes
- Take a pinch of skin around your injection site and hold the syringe at a 90 degree angle. Steadily, push the needle all the way in and release your pinch of skin. Push the plunger down until all of the medication is gone. Then withdraw the needle.
Dispose of your syringe in your sharps disposal. You did it!