When the medication plan for an IVF cycle arrives, it can feel like learning a new language overnight. Brand names, injection pens, mixing vials, fridge instructions and exact timings, all while trying to stay calm about the cycle itself.

This guide puts the most common IVF medicines in one place: what each one does, how it is given, how it should be stored, and the side effects to know about. It also explains how fertility prescriptions are dispensed and delivered so your medicines arrive before you need them. Everything clinical here comes from official UK product information or Pharmazon HomeCare's pharmacist-reviewed fertility guides. Your clinic's instructions always come first.

IVF Medication UK at a Glance

Stimulation (follicle growth)	Gonal-f (follitropin alfa), Menopur (menotrophin)
Preventing early ovulation	Cetrotide (cetrorelix), ganirelix (e.g. Fyremadel)
Trigger injection	Ovitrelle (choriogonadotropin alfa)
Luteal support	Progesterone, e.g. Cyclogest pessaries
How given	Mostly injections under the skin; progesterone as pessaries, gel or injection
Storage	Varies by product. Some at 2 to 8°C, some at room temperature
Main safety risk	Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

How IVF Medication Works

IVF medicines work in stages. Your clinic sets the protocol, doses and timings, which can change from scan to scan.

1. Stimulation: hormone injections (FSH, sometimes with LH activity) help several follicles develop at once.
2. Preventing early ovulation: a GnRH antagonist (or, in some protocols, an agonist) stops the eggs being released too soon.
3. Trigger: a timed trigger injection completes egg maturation. Egg collection usually follows 34 to 36 hours later.
4. Luteal support: progesterone, and sometimes oestrogen, supports the womb lining for embryo transfer.

For a class-by-class overview, including GnRH agonists and oestrogen, read our fertility medication guide.

Common IVF Medication Names in the UK

IVF medicines, how they are given and how they are stored

Brand	Active ingredient	Used for	Form and route	Storage (from the product information)
Gonal-f	Follitropin alfa	Stimulation	Pre-filled pen, under the skin	Fridge (2 to 8°C) before opening; may be kept at up to 25°C for a single period of up to 3 months. After opening, 2 to 25°C for up to 28 days
Menopur	Menotrophin	Stimulation	Powder and solvent, mixed before use; into a muscle or under the skin	Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze. Use immediately after mixing
Cetrotide 0.25 mg	Cetrorelix	Preventing early ovulation	Powder and solvent; under the skin of the lower abdomen	Fridge (2 to 8°C); may be kept at up to 30°C for up to 3 months. Use immediately after mixing
Fyremadel	Ganirelix	Preventing early ovulation	Pre-filled syringe, under the skin	No special storage conditions
Ovitrelle	Choriogonadotropin alfa	Trigger injection	Pre-filled pen, under the skin	Fridge (2 to 8°C). Do not freeze. Use immediately after opening
Cyclogest	Progesterone	Luteal support	Pessary, vaginal or rectal	Do not store above 30°C

Storage details can differ between strengths and pack types. Always check the Patient Information Leaflet in your pack and follow your clinic's instructions.

Gonal-f (follitropin alfa)

Gonal-f is a recombinant FSH used to stimulate follicle development in women having assisted reproduction or with ovulation problems. It comes as a multidose pre-filled pen injected under the skin. Very common side effects listed in the product information include headache, ovarian cysts and injection site reactions.

Menopur (menotrophin)

Menopur contains menotrophin, which has both FSH and LH activity. It comes as a powder that is mixed with a solvent before injection, either into a muscle or under the skin. Common side effects include abdominal pain and bloating, nausea, headache and injection site reactions.

Cetrotide (cetrorelix) and ganirelix

Cetrotide is used for the prevention of premature ovulation in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. It is mixed and injected under the skin of the lower abdomen. Ganirelix products such as Fyremadel do the same job and come in a ready-to-use pre-filled syringe. Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling and itching are common.

Ovitrelle (choriogonadotropin alfa)

Ovitrelle is a trigger injection that brings about final follicular maturation before egg collection. Timing is critical, so take it at the time your clinic gives you. It must be kept in the fridge.

Cyclogest (progesterone)

Cyclogest pessaries are used for luteal phase support as part of assisted reproductive treatment. They can be used vaginally or rectally. Common side effects include sleepiness, abdominal discomfort and breast pain.

IVF Medication Side Effects

Common side effects across IVF medicines include bloating and abdominal discomfort, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes and injection site reactions such as redness or bruising.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

OHSS is the main safety risk with fertility stimulation. The product information notes it can develop rapidly, within 24 hours to several days, and that the trigger injection plays a key role in it. Your clinic will monitor you for at least two weeks after the trigger.

Contact your clinic straight away, or seek urgent medical help, if you have:

• Severe abdominal pain or swelling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Visual disturbances

Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

How to Store IVF Medication

Getting storage right protects the medicine and your cycle. Our pharmacists' general guidance:

• Refrigerated medicines go in the fridge at 2 to 8°C, away from the freezer compartment
• Never freeze fertility injections
• Keep medicines in their original packaging, away from light
• Note the date any pen is first opened or taken out of the fridge, as time limits apply
• Check each product's leaflet, because storage rules differ: for example, Menopur is stored below 25°C, while Ovitrelle must stay in the fridge

How Much Does IVF Medication Cost in the UK?

The cost of IVF medication depends on your protocol, the medicines and doses prescribed, and how many days of stimulation you need, so there is no single average price. Read our guide to IVF medication costs in the UK for what affects the price.

Fertility Medication Delivery in the UK

Because doses change from scan to scan and several medicines need to stay cold, many patients and clinics use IVF medication delivery rather than collecting in person.

How Pharmazon HomeCare dispenses your IVF prescription

1. Your clinic issues a valid prescription and shares your planned start date.
2. The prescription reaches us securely from your clinic.
3. A GPhC-registered pharmacist checks it and confirms every item is in stock.
4. Each medicine is packed to its own storage requirements, using validated cold-chain packaging at 2 to 8°C for refrigerated items.
5. Your medicines are delivered by tracked delivery, timed to arrive before your first dose, with same-day delivery available in London and next-day delivery across the UK.

If your dose changes mid-cycle, your clinic sends a new prescription and we process it as a matter of priority.

Questions to Ask Your Clinic About Your IVF Medication

• Which medicines am I taking, and what does each one do?
• When and how do I give each injection, and who will show me?
• Which medicines need the fridge, and how long can they be out of it?
• What should I do if I miss or delay a dose?
• What are the signs of OHSS, and who do I call out of hours?
• When will my medicines be delivered, and what if my dose changes?

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