While discussing any medication used in treating infertility, It is important to understand medicines and ivf injections side effects. People ask how to know the side effects of medication? So, An Gold medalist Infertility specialist (Dr Ruchi Bhandari) from the best IVF centre in Jaipur tells us, Always observe the symptoms because usually minor symptoms are seen as a side effect of medication in patients. For example, patients may have headaches or nausea as a mild symptom. However, In some patients, doctors have found “adverse effects”. Adverse effects are a more serious issue. Usually, it’s very rare and unpredictable. For example – Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome(OHSS).

Generally, Fertility medications are safe & usually linked with mild side effects.

Below is a list of the most usual side effects. It is also important to read the medication prescription with the medicine packet before taking it.

Most Common IVF Injections Side Effects?

HCG – {Pregnyl or Ovidrel}

• Doctors use Pregnyl or Ovidrel to induce ovulation before the egg retrieval procedure happens in IVF treatment or {IUI} treatment cycle, or for supporting the lining of the uterus after eggs are transferred to the female womb.
• The most usual IVF Injections Side Effects includes mild abdominal pain during the time of ovulation & redness of the skin over the place of injection.
• Adverse effects include follicles in response to gonadotropins. It is not seen in natural cycles & rarely in patients who have been prescribed clomiphene.

Progesterone {Progesterone pessaries | Crinone}

• Doctors give progesterone to support the uterus lining after the embryo transfer in IVF treatment. Progesterone is normally produced in the ovary during early pregnancy and is used widely in fertility treatments.

• The most common IVF Injections Side Effects include Abdominal discomfort, bloating, uterine cramping, breast tenderness and headache.
• Adverse effects include vaginal reactions such as irritation. common allergic reactions include swelling of the face, tongue, or other body parts.

• Long term effects include chances of increase in the borderline of the uterus due to ovarian tumours(not proven as causative).

GNRH AGONISTS (LUCRIN, SYNAREL)

•  These two medications are used to prevent premature ovulation in IVF cycles.

• The most common side effects of IVF injection include mild headache, redness of the face and mood swings for a brief time.

• The adverse reaction includes patients with undiagnosed pituitary tumours. It is a rare and serious problem.

• Long term effects include a decrease in bone density if used for a very long time.

Gonadotropins – (Puregon, Gonal-F)

• Doctors use Gonal-F and Puregon for ovulation induction in women with ongoing IVF to develop multiple eggs.

• Most usually seen side effects – including breast tenderness, mood swings, nausea, abdominal pain, tiredness, dizziness, swelling & skin roughness.

• Adverse effects include OHSS( diarrhoea, excessive abdominal pain, swelling, vomiting, breathlessness) & multiple pregnancies.

GnRH Antagonists (Orgalutran, Cetrotide)

• Prescribed by doctors during IVF to prevent premature ovulation.

Luveris

• Doctors prescribe Luveris to stimulate follicular development with severe Luteinising Hormone(LH) or Follicle Stimulating development Hormone (FSH). Doctors use it commonly in conjunction with gonadotropins.

• Most seen IVF Injections Side Effects– include headache, nausea and redness of the skin over the place of taking the injection.

• Adverse effects include OHSS or allergic reactions.

• Long term effects include foetal abnormality in pregnancy.

How to Reduce the IVF Injections Side Effects?

It is completely impossible to avoid all the side effects of medication. However, there are some practices that you and your doctor can do to reduce the risks.

You can avoid or lessen the side effects by taking the medication at night after having food. Always consult with your doctor about food and how you have to take medication.

Doctors usually start with the lowest and effective dose. Then after observing for some time, they will increase the dose as per need.

Tell everything to the doctor if you’re facing any bad side effects. Even if you feel issues related to mood swings, share them with your doctor. It will help doctors find out if the medicine is working. So he can change it accordingly with an alternate one.

If you want to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, Your doctor should closely monitor your cycles. Also, with the help of Clomid or Gonadotropins, doctors do an ultrasound to determine the potential follicles that are developing because every single follicle is a potential child if you conceive.

Suppose your doctor finds a risk of multiple pregnancies. Then the doctor may cancel the running cycle to avoid multiple pregnancies. And you must avoid sexual intercourse during this phase. Keep in mind that multiple pregnancies put you and your future child’s health at risk.

Conclusion

Lastly, Always beware of fertility clinics that are overly aggressive in their infertility treatment because it may sound good to have a doctor promising successful results with starting strong treatment at first. But be aware that going for quick treatment can lead to a premature fall. You still may get OHSS or get pregnant with twins or multiples. In that case, the best you can do is follow the doctor’s advice & take care of yourself. Good parental care helps to lower the risks that come with multiple pregnancies.