Ganirelix Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2023.
Applies to ganirelix: subcutaneous solution.
Serious side effects of Ganirelix
Along with its needed effects, ganirelix may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ganirelix:
Less common
- Bloating
- diarrhea
- heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding
- rapid weight gain
- severe nausea
- stomach pain
- vomiting
Rare
- Chest tightness
- cough
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- trouble breathing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
Other side effects of Ganirelix
Some side effects of ganirelix may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Headache
- redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to ganirelix: subcutaneous solution.
General
The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included injection site redness and/or swelling, abdominal pain, and headache; rare postmarketing cases of anaphylaxis have been reported.[Ref]
Endocrine
Common (1% to 10%): Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, fetal death
Frequency not reported: Congenital anomalies
Among 283 newborns of mothers receiving this drug; 3 neonates had major congenital anomalies (i.e., hydrocephalus/meningocele, omphalocele, and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome) and 18 neonates experienced minor anomalies (i.e., nevus, skin tags, sacral sinus, hemangioma, torticollis/asymmetric skull, talipes, supernumerary digit finger, hip subluxation, torticollis/high palate, occiput/abnormal hand crease, hernia umbilicalis, hernia inguinalis, hydrocele, undescended testis, and hydronephrosis). A subsequent analysis showed the incidence of congenital anomalies with this drug are comparable to another GnRH agonist.
The incidence of congenital malformations after Assisted Reproductive Technology appears to be slightly higher than after spontaneous conception; although this may be related to differences in parental characteristics and higher incidence of multiple gestations.
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain (gynecological), vaginal bleeding[Ref]
Local
Very common (10% or more): Injection site reaction (up to 15%)[Ref]
Following injection, between 10% and 15% of patients reported redness with or without swelling at the injection site. This normally disappeared within 4 hours after administration.[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions
During the postmarketing period, rare reports of anaphylaxis (including anaphylactic shock), angioedema, and urticaria have been received, as early as with the first dose.
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea[Ref]
Other
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Malaise[Ref]
Hematologic
Frequency not reported: Elevated neutrophil counts, decreased hematocrit
Elevated neutrophil counts (8.3 x 10(9)/L or greater) and decreased hematocrit concentrations have been observed during therapy; however, the significance of these findings is not known.
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Decreased total bilirubin concentrations
Decreased total bilirubin concentrations have been observed during therapy; however, the significance of this finding is not known.
More about ganirelix
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
2. (2001) "Product Information. Antagon (ganirelix)." Organon
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.