Many women who are considering egg freezing inquire about if they will need to stop their current daily medication or supplements. At your initial consultation, your reproductive endocrinologist will go over your list of over-the-counter and prescription medications and any supplements you may be taking.
In most cases, commonly used medications like antidepressants (like Zoloft®, Prozac®, Wellbutrin®), thyroid medications, vitamins, and sleep aids such as melatonin or Unisom® (Doxylamine) can be safely continued during the egg freezing process. Allergy medications like Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec are also generally safe to take during egg freezing.
Allergy shots, introducing allergens into your body to build up immunity over time, is more complicated. Depending on the allergens involved and the severity of your allergic reactions, your allergy shot schedule may need to be adjusted. Your fertility specialist can work with you and your allergist to coordinate your treatment plan to minimize any potential conflicts.
One group of medication to stop during your stimulation would be any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or aspirin as these might increase your risk of bleeding during the egg retrieval surgery. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be a safer option for pain relief, but it's essential to consult your provider first.
GLP-1 receptor agonists or semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®) is another class of medications that should be discussed with your provider. Though there is limited data on their effect on eggs or egg freezing itself, it has been associated with delayed gastric emptying that can potentially cause complications with anesthesia during the egg retrieval surgery. Some clinics may even require you stop it for a period of time prior to starting your egg freeze process.
Lastly, while some herbs are considered safe for general use, their effects on fertility are not always well understood, and they may interact with medications or hormones used during IVF stimulation. Some common herbs to avoid during egg freezing include: St. John’s Wort, ginseng, black cohosh, licorice root, chasteberry (Vitex), and dong quai.
Remember, your fertility specialist is here to help guide you. You do not need to change any of your medications before you make your first consultation appointment. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and specific circumstances to ensure that you're using safe and appropriate medications during IVF stimulation.
Dr. Irene Woo is a fertility specialist at HRC Fertility. She is an esteemed and compassionate medical professional holding dual board certifications in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Woo’s patient-centric approach underscores the significance of conducting a comprehensive diagnosis to tailor treatment options.
Learn more about about HRC Fertility on Freeze.
