A double-blind comparison of nafarelin and leuprolide acetate for down-regulation in IVF cycles.

Objective: To compare nafarelin (NAF) with leuprolide acetate (LA) for pituitary down-regulation in IVF cycles.

Materials and methods: Patients in a private IVF program who received both nasal spray and subcutaneous injections starting in the luteal phase prior to intended stimulation with any one route containing active drug in a randomized, prospective, double-blind study. Variables measured included the usual hormonal values as well as oocyte data, but not pregnancy rates, because of sample size and the heterogeneity of the study group.

Results: There were no differences between the two groups in the areas studied.

Conclusion: Either NAF or LA can be used satisfactorily as an agent for pituitary down-regulation in IVF cycles.