The team at Women’s View, lead by Dr. Richard Buyalos – one of the worlds leading experts on endocrinology, obstetrics, and gynecology – has compiled a comprehensive list of over 45 common medications associated with fertility treatment. All trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. Choose a letter below to take you to the definition you’re looking for. You can also scroll through the list to find the term you are looking for. These definitions are also available in the free Fertility View™ smart phone app.

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A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • L • M • N • O • P • Q • R • S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z

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A

Acetaminophen – Acetaminophen is classified as an analgesic (pain reliever). It is used for pain relief and to reduce fever. The most common brand name is Tylenol®.
Alprazolam – Alprazolam is an anti-anxiety/anti-spasmodic medication principally used to treat anxiety. It is sometimes used to relax the uterus and prevent contractions during an embryo transfer.
Aspirin – Aspirin when prescribed prescribed in a low dose (81 mg) is thought to improve blood flow to the uterus and ovary and potentially improve endometrial receptivity and ovarian response to gonadotropin treatment.
Ativan – Ativan is a brand name for Lorazepam.

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B

Bravelle® – Bravelle® is highly purified FSH derived from human urine used in fertility treatment. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and promotes growth and development of eggs in a woman’s ovaries. It is administered subcutaneously.
Bromocriptine Mesylate – Bromocriptine Mesylate is a dopamine agonist that inhibits prolactin release from the pituitary gland. In both men and women, hyperprolactinemia (overproduction of the hormone prolactin) can cause fertility problems by interfering with the normal release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. Bromocriptine and Cabergoline are used to correct elevated prolactin levels.
Buserelin Acetate – Buserelin Acetate is a gonadotropin releasing agonist used to prevent the mid-cycle surge of LH that can result in premature ovulation. It is frequently used in IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. It is also used to treat endometriosis and to shrink fibroids. It is available as a subcutaneous injection and a nasal spray.

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C

Cabergoline – Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that inhibits prolactin release from the pituitary gland. In both men and women, hyperprolactinemia (overproduction of the hormone prolactin) can cause fertility problems by interfering with the normal release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. Bromocriptine and Cabergoline are used to correct elevated prolactin levels. Cabergoline can also be used to treat ovarian hypestimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Cephalexin – Cephalexin is an antibiotic frequently given during fertility procedures to prevent infection.
Cetrorelix Acetate – Cetrorelix Acetate is the generic name for Cetrotide®, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist used to inhibit premature luteinizing hormone surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation during infertility treatment. It is administered subcutaneously.
Cetrotide® – Cetrotide® (Cetrorelix Acetate) is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist used to inhibit premature luteinizing hormone surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation during infertility treatment. It is administered subcutaneously.
Climara® – Climara® is a brand of estradiol (the principle estrogen produced by the ovary), which is administered in the form of an adhesive skin patch.
Clomid® – Clomid® is a brand of clomiphene citrate used to stimulate ovulation. It is administered orally and is often the first line treatment for women who do not ovulate regularly.
Clomiphene Citrate – Clomiphene Citrate is the generic form of Clomid and Serophene which is used to stimulate ovulation. It is administered orally and is often the first line treatment for women who do not ovulate regularly.
Crinone 8%® – Crinone 8%® is a vaginal gel that contains the hormone progesterone and is frequently used in fertility treatment.
Cycloset® – Cycloset® is a brand of Bromocriptine Mesylate, a dopamine agonist that inhibits prolactin release from the pituitary gland. In both men and women, hyperprolactinemia (overproduction of the hormone prolactin) can cause fertility problems by interfering with the normal release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. Bromocriptine and Cabergoline are used to correct elevated prolactin levels.

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D

DHEA – DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a supplement used by some individuals to improve libido and other health conditions. It is thought by some that it may improve ovarian response to fertility medication.
Diazepam – Diazepam is an anti-anxiety/anti-spasmodic medication sometimes used to relax the uterus and prevent contractions during an embryo transfer.
Diclegis® – A fixed dose combination drug product of doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine, and pyridoxine hydrochloride, a vitamin B6 analog, indicated for the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy in women who do not respond to conservative management. FDA approved.
Dostinex® – Dostinex® is a brand name for Cabergoline, a dopamine agonist that inhibits prolactin release from the pituitary gland. In both men and women, hyperprolactinemia (overproduction of the hormone prolactin) can cause fertility problems by interfering with the normal release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. Bromocriptine and Cabergoline are used to correct elevated prolactin levels. Cabergoline can also be used to treat ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Doxycycline – Doxycycline is an antibiotic frequently given during fertility procedures to provent infections.

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E

Endometrin® – Endometrin® is a vaginal insert that contains the hormone progesterone.
Estrace® – Estrace® is a pill form of estradiol, which is the principle type of estrogen produced by the ovary.
Estraderm® – Estraderm is estradiol in the form of an adhesive skin patch.
Estrodiol – Estradiol is the principle estrogen produced by the ovary. It is widely used in fertility treatment in an oral, injectable, or transdermal skin patch.
Estrogen – Estrogen, one of the major hormones of pregnancy, causes the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to thicken. Blood levels of estrogen control the signal to the pituitary gland’s production and release of FSH and LH. It is often used to monitor the ovarian response to fertility medication.

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F

Folic Acid – Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for metabolism and the production of DNA.
Follistim AQ® – Follistim AQ® is a man-made form of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) used in fertility treatment. This hormone regulates ovulation and the growth and development of eggs in a woman’s ovaries. It is administered subcutaneously.
Fortamet® – Fortamet® is a brand name of Metformin, an insulin sensitizing agent often used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or insulin resistant women.

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G

Ganerelix Acetate – Ganirelix Acetate is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist used to inhibit premature luteinizing hormone surges in women during fertility treatment. It is administered subcutaneously.
Glucopage® – Glucopage® is a brand name of Metformin, an insulin sensitizing agent often used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or insulin resistant women.
Glumetza® – Glumetza® is a brand name of Metformin, an insulin sensitizing agent often used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or insulin resistant women.
Gonadotropin Hormone Antagonists – Gonadotropin Hormone Antagonists prevent the mid-cycle surge of LH that can result in premature ovulation. They are frequently used in IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Gonadotropin Hormone Antagonists include Cetrotide® (Cetrorelix) and Ganerelix Acetate.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH) – Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist known as GnRH agonists prevent the mid-cycle surge of LH that can result in premature ovulation. They are frequently used in IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. They can also be used as a triggering hormone instead of and/or with hCG to promote ovulation. GnRH agonists are also used to treat endometriosis and to shrink fibroids.
Gonadotropins – Gonadotropins are the pituitary hormones FSH and LH. They are released into the bloodstream and stimulate egg development in the ovary. Gonadotropins are used in infertility treatment to stimulate egg development. The FDA approved gonadatropins are: Bravelle®, Follistim®, Gonal-F®, Menopur®, and Repronex®.
Gonal-F® – Gonal-F® is a man-made form of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) used in fertility treatment. This hormone regulates ovulation and the growth and development of eggs in a woman’s ovaries. It is administered subcutaneously.
Gynodial® – Gynodial is a pill form of estradiol, which is the principle type of estrogen produced by the ovary.

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H

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) – Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta. hCG stimulates ovarian secretion of estrogen and progesterone early in pregnancy. It is used to induce the final maturation of eggs to prepare them for retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or to promote ovulation for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse. hCG is given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection and is usually administered 34-36 hours prior to an egg retrieval.

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I

Ibuprofen – Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidel anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) used for reduction of pain, fever and inflammation. Various brand names include Advil and Motrin.

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K

Keflex® – Keflex® is a brand name for cephalexin. It is an antibiotic frequently given during fertility procedures to prevent infection.

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L

Leuprolide Acetate – Leuprolide acetate is a gonadotropin releasing agonist (GnRH-agonist) used to prevent the mid-cycle surge of LH that can result in premature ovulation. It is frequently used in IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. It can also be used as a triggering hormone instead of and/or with hCG to promote ovulation. GnRH-agonists are also used to treat endometriosis and to shrink fibroids.
Lorazepam – Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety/anti-spasmodic medication sometimes used to relax the uterus and prevent contractions during an embryo transfer.
Lupron® (Leuprolide Acetate) – Lupron®, a brand name of leuprolide acetate, is a gonadotropin releasing agonist used to prevent the mid-cycle surge of LH that can result in premature ovulation. It is frequently used in IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. It can also be used as a triggering hormone instead of and/or with hCG to promote ovulation. Lupron is also used to treat endometriosis and to shrink fibroids.

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M

Medrol® – Medrol® is a brand name for methylprednisolone. It is a synthetic glucocorticoid (steroid) hormone with anti-inflammatory properties which can suppress immune responses.
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate – Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic progestin which is frequently used to promote withdrawal bleeding (shedding of the uterine lining).
Menopur® – Menopur® is highly purified FSH and LH derived from human urine used in fertility treatment. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are produced by the pituitary gland and promotes growth and developmant of eggs in a woman’s ovaries. It is administered subcutaneously.
Metformin – Metformin or brand names, Glucopage, Fortamet, Glumetza and Riomet are an insulin sensitizing agent often used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or insulin resistant women.
Methylprednisolone – Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid (steroid) hormone with anti-inflammatory properties which can suppress immune responses.

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N

Nafarelin Acetate – Nafarelin Acetate is a generic name for Synarel®, a gonadotropin releasing agonist used to prevent the mid-cycle surge of LH that can result in premature ovulation. It is frequently used in IVF and other assisted reproductive tecnology (ART) procedures. Synarel is also used to treat endometriosis and to shrink fibroids. It is only available as a nasal spray.
Naproxen – Naproxen and naproxen sodium are nonsteroidel anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) used for reduction of pain, fever and inflammation. Various brand names include Aleve, Anaprox, Midol Extended Relief and Naprosyn.
Novarel® (hCG) – Novarel® is a brand name of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and is used to induce the final maturational changes in eggs. It prepares them for retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ovulation in intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse treatment cycles.

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O

Omnitrope® – Omnitrope® is a brand name for Somatropin (recombinant) or human growth hormone (hGH) is sometimes used as an adjuvant for fertilty treatment. It is thought to improve egg quality. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Oral Contraceptives – Oral contraceptives contain ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen) and a synthetic progestin. They inhibit ovulation by reducing the pituitary release of FSH and LH. They are frequently used prior to initiating ART cycles for scheduling purposes.
Ovidrel® (hCG) – Ovidrel® is a brand name of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and is used to induce the final maturational changes in eggs. It prepares them for retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ovulation in intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse treatment cycles. Ovidrel is a synthetic hCG which is different from the other hCG products that are derived from human urine.

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P

Parlodel – Parlodel is a brand of Bromocriptine Mesylate, a dopamine agonist that inhibits prolactin release from the pituitary gland. In both men and women, hyperprolactinemia (overproduction of the hormone prolactin) can cause fertility problems by interfering with the normal release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. Bromocriptine and Cabergoline are used to correct elevated prolactin levels.
Prednisone – Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid (steroid) hormone with anti-inflammatory properties which can suppress immune responses.
Pregnyl (hCG) – Pregnyl® is a brand name of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and is used to induce the final maturational changes in eggs. It prepares them for retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ovulation in intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse treatment cycles.
Progesterone – Progesterone is produced by the ovaries during ovulation (the release of a mature egg from an ovary) and prepares the uterine lining (endometrium) for implantation of an embryo. It may be prescribed orally, as an intramuscular injection, vaginal gel, vaginal suppositories, or transdermal cream.
Prometrium® – Prometrium® is a capsule containing the hormone progesterone. It contains micronized progesterone for oral administration and is chemically identical to progesterone of ovarian and placental origin.
Provera® – Provera® is a brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is a synthetic progestin which is frequently used to promote withdrawal bleeding (shedding of the uterine lining).

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R

Repronex® – Repronex® is purified FSH and LH derived from human urine used in fertility treatment. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are produced by the pituitary gland and promotes growth and developmant of eggs in a woman’s ovaries. It can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularally.
Riomet® – Riomet® is a brand name of Metformin, an insulin sensitizing agent often used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or insulin resistant women.

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S

Serophene® – Serophene® is a brand of clomiphene citrate used to stimulate ovulation. It is administered orally and is often the first line treatment for women who do not ovulate regularly.
Somatropin (recombinant) (hGH) – Somatropin (recombinant) or human growth hormone (hGH) is sometimes used as an adjuvant for fertilty treatment. It is thought to improve egg quality. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Brands of recombinant somatropin include Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Nutropin®, Omnitrope®, and Saizen®.
Suprefact® – Suprefact®, a brand name of buserelin acetate, is a gonadotropin releasing agonist used to prevent the mid-cycle surge of LH that can result in premature ovulation. It is frequently used in IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. It is also used to treat endometriosis and to shrink fibroids. It is available as a subcutaneous injection and a nasal spray.
Synarel® – Synarel®, the brand name for nafarelin acetate, is a gonadotropin releasing agonist used to prevent the mid-cycle surge of LH that can result in premature ovulation. It is frequently used in IVF and other assisted reproductive tecnology (ART) procedures. Synarel is also used to treat endometriosis and to shrink fibroids.

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V

Valium – Valium is a brand name for diazepam.
Vivelle® – Vivelle® is estradiol in the form of an adhesive skin patch.

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X

Xanax – Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam.

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