I’m on the Long Antagonist IVF protocol.
Right now, I’m on Day 11 of a 21 day birth control cycle. Over half way done!
Since a few people have been asking, here’s my medication list and our tentative timeline.
IVF Medication List
| Drug | Dosage | What is it? |
| Marvelon | 1 pill daily | Birth control – used to suppress ovulation for 1 cycle prior to IVF |
| Puregon | 225 IU | Used to stimulate ovaries. Also referred to as Follitism. |
| Repronex | 75 IU | Used to stimulate ovaries. Also referred to as Menopur. |
| Orgalutron | 250 mcg | Used to prevent premature LH surge, allowing for a delay in ovulation. Also referred to as Ganirelix or Antagon. |
| Estrace | 2 mg 2x day | Estrogen supplement used to help maintain uterine lining |
| Prometrium | 200 mg 3x day | Used to increase progesterone |
| Doxycycline | 100 mg 2x day | Antibiotic used to prevent infection post-retrieval. |
| Asprin | 81 mg daily | Used to improve blood flow to uterus (I think?) |
| Dexamethasone | TBD | Corticosteroid used to relieve inflamation; part of the immune protocol |
| Intralipids | TBD | Administered via IV; part of the immune protocol |
After my DOR diagnosis, they increased my Puregon from 150 to 225. So far, everything else has stayed the same.
IVF Timeline
| Date(s) | Action |
| July 28-August 16 | Take birth control |
| August 20 | Blood test & ultrasound |
| August 20-24 | Puregon & Repronex injections |
| August 25 | Blood test & ultrasound |
| August 25-26 | Puregon & Repronex + Orgalutron injections |
| August 26 | FLY TO CLINIC! |
| August 27 | Blood test & ultrasound & intralipids. Injections: TBD |
| TBD | Egg retrieval |
| TBD | Transfer |
| TBD | FLY HOME – Pregnant til proven otherwise! (PUPO) |
Awaiting Autumn 
I’m excited for you! Having a timeline makes it feel real. Not to freak you out, but doxycycline was my least favorite part of IVF. I had two rounds of it and both times I ended up with yeast infections. My nurses said it was common for that to happen. It also made me feel like crap – taking it with food helps. Hopefully it does not do the same to you – but I like to warn people because I didn’t expect an antibiotic to kick my butt like that! Please keep updating during your IVF journey! You’re in my thoughts this month and I really hope this is the answer for you!
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Wow. Thanks for the advice! I already have a weak stomach, so I’m sure I’m probably not going to be able to stomach most of it. :S
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Well I hope it doesn’t bother you like it did with me! If I ate a half an hour before I took it I was ok. If I forgot to eat then I just got super nauseous.
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Ugh, yeah, the doxy gave me bad diarrhea. Thankfully, I only had to take it for a few days. I honestly had zero side effects from everything else. (I was on Bravelle instead of Follistim, and Crinone instead of prometrium, but everything else was the same, except for your immune stuff.) Good luck to you! Having a time line makes it so much more real!
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You aren’t kidding. All of our travel arrangements are booked too except the rental car. The countdown is on!
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Wow, we are almost on the same IVF timeline. I started BCP on 8/4 and will go in for my test transfer, baseline ultrasound, HSG, and consent signing on 8/20 and then will drop off the BCPs/start GNRH and start injectables as soon as period starts. Retrieval/transfer estimated for 1st week in September. Good luck and prayers for you!
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Thank you! Same to you!
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Our timelines aren’t far off! I’m done with BCPs on Tuesday, and we’re looking at transfer the first week of September. I took Doxycycline for a few days prior to my HSG test, and although I tend to be very sensitive to antibiotics (stomach upset, etc.), I didn’t have a problem with this one. I hope that’s the case for you!
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Oh that’s good to hear. Mixed reactions so far.
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So exciting and nerve wracking I’m sure! Thanks for posting this…we’ve been leaning more towards adoption than IVF but it’s good to see what may be involved if we end up going that route. 🙂
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Keep following. I’ll document more as we go through the process. I love reading other people’s stories as it truly gives you a different perspective than just reading info from the clinic or agency.
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So excited for you! 🙂 XOXO
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Thank you! I’m excited yet a bit nervous at the same time. I think I’ll feel better once my drugs arrive.
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I’m thinking twins.
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You think we will have twins? I got no clue and no feelings yet. We are open to having 2
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I really wouldn’t be surprised if you had twins! XOXO
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My protocol looked almost identical except I was on 150 repronex and I did Suprefact injections. The RE swapped out Orgalutron right before starting. I will have to concur re: doxy…made me feel quite ill during the IVF process although when I took it again for my FET, I didn’t feel nearly as ill. Repronex and Puregon are easy peasy especially the Puregon pen (FYI: there’s always more in the pen then what’s listed so use it all! For instance, you may get a pen for 900iu and there will actually be like 950iu in there. Just keep track and the handy dandy pad it comes with). Suprefact has way more bite than the other injections (for me anyways). Intralipids – super easy 🙂 Good luck and enjoy the vacay!
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Thanks! I totally appreciate all the advice. Repronex needs to be mixed though right?
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Yes it does. Liquid into the powder. It’s really easy but the first time feels a little daunting. You’ll be a pro by the 3rd injection 🙂
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My HCG for IUI had to be mixed too. Shouldn’t be a problem.
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So excited for you! Keeping everything crossed!
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Thank you! It means so much to have all of you rooting for us.
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so excited for you!!!
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Thanks! Me too!
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Wow, seems so much complicated than what we did. Thrilled for you to be starting though, fingers crossed 🙂
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What was your protocol? I should check it out.
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Wife only had the equivalent of puregon and orgalutron.
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Oh wow. That does seem like so much less.
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Yeah and I thought it was hard.. how come you need 2 different drugs for stimulation?
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Good question! I don’t know?
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Wow, I love how you’ve laid all the info out – very clear, concise and helpful. Really, really excited for you!! Wishing you a smooth and successful cycle.xx
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Thank you!
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Wahoo! I love having a plan! I’m super excited for you. I also took 225 follistim, 75 Menopur and ganirellex. Follistim had a lot of overfill so don’t freak when you see extra in the tube. I got close to 75 extra units out of each vial. Wishing you much success!
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Thank you and good to know. I will probably have more questions once the drugs actually arrive.
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Thanks for sharing! It’s so great to find another Canadian blogger. Seeing your list makes is sound so overwhelming. Fingers crossed for a successful cycle!!
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Sounds like some overlap with my suggested protocol but I don’t have all of the details yet, it will certainly include estrace, menopur and follistim. From what I know (which isn’t much since I’m just starting this IVF ride) is that the menopur and follistim are given together as a high dose protocol to try to maximize the number of retrievable eggs from however many follicles you have. I hope all goes well for you!
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Thanks! Best of luck to you too!
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Pingback: My meds have arrived | Awaiting Autumn
Just realized I’d missed this. You can ignore my other question on your most recent post – oops!
FYI, link to your “DOR diagnosis” is broken.
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