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Many of us are familiar with heartburn, a burning sensation in the throat frequently triggered by what we eat. While occasional heartburn can often be prevented or managed with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter medications, more frequent or severe cases may indicate an underlying condition that requires additional treatment.

Here’s what to know about the causes and triggers of heartburn and treatment options.

How to Prevent or Treat Heartburn

Many of us are familiar with heartburn, a burning sensation in the throat frequently triggered by what we eat. While occasional heartburn can often be prevented or managed with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter medications, more frequent or severe cases may indicate an underlying condition that requires additional treatment.

Here’s what to know about the causes and triggers of heartburn and treatment options.

The burning sensation that characterizes heartburn is caused by reflux, an issue with the digestive process. Normally, a valve at the bottom of your esophagus called the esophageal sphincter allows food to enter your stomach, where acids help digest what you’ve eaten.

Reflux occurs when the esophageal sphincter doesn’t close as it should, allowing acid to pass from the stomach into the esophagus. While your stomach is equipped to handle this acidic mixture, your esophagus is more sensitive, and reflux results in the discomfort of heartburn.

There are several potential causes of heartburn, including the following:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Severe, recurring heartburn may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic acid reflux.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and the pressure of your growing baby during pregnancy may affect esophageal function.

Eating habits: Dietary choices, the size of your meals, and eating close to bedtime frequently factor into heartburn.

Lifestyle habits: Acid reflux has also been linked to smoking and high levels of stress.

Medications: Certain medications — including over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and aspirin; tricyclic antidepressants; and some blood pressure and heart medications — are known to irritate the esophagus, resulting in heartburn or increasing the severity of GERD.

Food and drinks that are known to trigger heartburn include:

Citrus fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons

Many people are able to manage mild or occasional heartburn with small changes to their routine or habits. Here are some steps to take as a starting point.

Many health experts suggest eating at least three to four hours before going to bed so that your stomach has time to empty.

Eating smaller portions or having multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than a few larger ones may help prevent heartburn.

In addition to avoiding triggers like onions, tomatoes, and spicy or acidic foods, eating certain foods may help you manage heartburn discomfort. Oatmeal and whole grains can absorb and reduce acid. Replacing full-fat dairy products with low-fat ones is often another effective preventative measure.

Some people find that belts and tight clothing can trigger their acid reflux.

Slouching may put additional pressure on your abdomen, which can in turn cause acid to enter the esophagus. Try to sit straight and maintain an upright position.

If you frequently experience heartburn, lying flat on your back likely isn’t the best sleep position. For relief, elevate your upper body as much as possible with a wedge pillow or by adjusting the settings on your bed, if possible.

Over-the-counter medications for heartburn

Along with the above changes to lifestyle habits, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help manage mild cases of heartburn. Three types of OTCs are frequently used to treat heartburn: antacids, acid blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

OTC antacids including Tums®, Rolaids®, Maalox®, and Gaviscon® relieve heartburn by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach.

In some cases, these medications may cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. They aren’t recommended for those with symptoms of appendicitis or bowel inflammation. Consult with your doctor in advance about the best way to take these medications.

OTC acid blockers including Pepcid AC® and Tagamet HB® block production of stomach acid to relieve heartburn and other digestive issues.

Your provider may advise you to take antacids when you first begin to take an acid blocker. Antacids are faster-acting and can help relieve heartburn discomfort while acid blocker effects begin. Always follow your doctor’s directions. In most cases, an antacid is taken an hour before or an hour after taking an acid blocker. 

Stronger acid blockers are available by prescription only.

Proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec® also block production of stomach acid.

Purchase pharmacy essentials like Tums and Prilosec through the Alto Essentials store in our mobile app!

If OTC medications don’t ease your heartburn, your provider may prescribe you a medication. There are two main classes of prescription medications for heartburn.

Prescription-strength acid blockers including Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac® offer a higher dose than their OTC counterparts to relieve more severe heartburn and treat GERD.

Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors including Aciphex®, Nexium®, Prevacid®, Prilosec, and Protonix® are highly effective at blocking production of stomach acid.

When should I speak to a doctor about heartburn?

It typically isn’t advised to use any OTC heartburn medication for longer than two weeks without speaking to your doctor.

You should also speak to your doctor about your heartburn if your stool is darker than usual or you’re experiencing vomiting in addition to other symptoms.

Some heartburn medications including Tums and Prilosec are available for purchase in the Essentials Store in the Alto app. You can also add these products to your order when scheduling your medication delivery.

If your treatment plan includes a prescription medication, we’ll make it as simple as possible to manage, with free-same day delivery and support with insurance and savings opportunities.

Reach out with any questions by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

If you’ve ever been told not to eat a specific food while taking a medication, it was likely due to the possibility of a medication interaction.

Some medications work less effectively or cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, or supplements. (As you’ll learn below, sometimes taking a medication as prescribed means avoiding grapefruits.)

Medication Interactions, Explained

If you’ve ever been told not to eat a specific food while taking a medication, it was likely due to the possibility of a medication interaction.

Some medications work less effectively or cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, or supplements. (As you’ll learn below, sometimes taking a medication as prescribed means avoiding grapefruits.)

Several factors affect how a medication works, and interactions can happen between:

Most potential medication interactions are known. So as long as your provider is aware of your health history and all the medications you’re currently taking — including over-the-counter ones — you should be able to experience the benefits of your medications and avoid unnecessary side effects.

It’s also helpful to understand why these interactions occur. Below, you’ll find an overview of medication interaction basics. In addition, always ask your doctor or pharmacist as many questions as you need to in order to feel confident taking your medications.

Proteins in your liver called enzymes are responsible for helping your body absorb and process a medication. Sometimes a medication, vitamin, or supplement changes how these enzymes work.

If one medication causes enzymes to break down another medication more slowly, you may experience an interaction between the two medications. This can cause a medication to stay in your body for too long, or increase its quantity in your body. Both scenarios can lead to unwanted side effects or worsen side effects that you typically experience.

On the flip side, a medication interaction might cause enzymes to work faster, making medication pass through your body too quickly. In these types of medication interactions, you won’t experience a medication’s normal benefits, which can worsen symptoms of a health condition.

Other times, a food or supplement binds to an oral medication, preventing that medication from entering your bloodstream or lowering your blood levels of it.

Keep in mind that each person’s body and genetic makeup is unique. Your specific genes can profoundly impact how medications are metabolized and any resulting medication interactions.

A medication-medication interaction occurs when the combination of two or more medications produces an unwanted side effect. As an example, when the heart medication digoxin (Lanoxin®) is combined with another heart medication called amiodarone (Pacerone®), blood levels of digoxin may increase, resulting in side effects.

Other examples of medication-medication interactions include:

Anticoagulants and antibiotics/OTC pain relief: Antibiotics and many common pain relief medications including ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®) aren’t safe to combine with blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Levothyroxine and omeprazole: The thyroid medication levothyroxine (Synthroid®) requires extremely precise dosing and other medications can easily alter blood levels of it. In particular, the heartburn medication omeprazole (Prilosec®) can decrease the body’s absorption of levothyroxine.

Diuretics and certain antidepressants: Diuretics, a class of blood pressure-lowering medications that includes chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®), can lower sodium levels. Combining these medications with certain antidepressants including fluoxetine (Prozac®) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR®) can increase the risk of severely low sodium levels.

Even some of the most nutritious foods can pose health risks when combined with certain medications. For example, grapefruits and grapefruit juice can block the enzymes your body needs to break down cholesterol-lowering statins, leading to higher blood levels of the medication and a greater risk of side effects.

Some statins interact more strongly with grapefruits and grapefruit juice — like atorvastatin (Lipitor®), lovastatin (Mevacor®, and simvastatin (Zocor®) — while others, including fluvastatin (Lescol®) and pravastatin (Pravachol®), are less affected. If you have concerns about this potential medication interaction, speak with your doctor about your options.

Other common food-medication interactions include:

Warfarin and vitamin K-rich vegetables: The anticoagulant warfarin blocks the effects of vitamin K, which helps your blood clot. High intake of vitamin K-rich veggies like broccoli and spinach can make the medication less effective. Consult with your doctor about nutrition considerations when taking warfarin, and maintain a consistent diet.

Metformin and alcohol: Drinking heavily while taking the oral diabetes medication metformin can increase your risk of extremely low blood sugar. In rare cases, it can also cause a condition called lactic acidosis, in which too much acid accumulates in the bloodstream. Many people are able to safely drink in moderation while on metformin. The specific interaction of alcohol and metformin varies by individual. Consult with your doctor to determine what precautions you should take.

Dairy products and antibiotics: Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products can reduce the body’s absorption of certain antibiotics, including tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline.

Dairy products and bisphosphonates: Dairy products can also reduce absorption of some oral bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis.

As a precaution against food-medication interactions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best ways to take your medication. The potential for these interactions doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding certain food or drinks altogether, but rather making small modifications or being mindful of when you eat or drink them. For example, it is typically recommended to consume dairy products at least three hours after taking an antibiotic.

Interactions between medication and a health condition

Doctors need to know your health history in order to safely prescribe a medication. Certain health conditions may increase a medication’s side effects, and some medications can worsen symptoms of a health condition.

Examples of interactions between a medication and health condition include the following. If you are concerned about the possibility of a medication-condition interaction, speak with your doctor about appropriate alternative medications.

Decongestants and hypertension: Some decongestants used to relieve colds, including pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®), can tighten blood vessels throughout your body, increasing blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, look for decongestant-free cold medicines like Coricidin®.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hypertension: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen can also increase blood pressure. Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is typically a better option for pain or fever relief for individuals with hypertension.

Beta blockers and asthma: Beta blockers, a medication class commonly used to lower blood pressure, can tighten airway muscles, potentially causing an asthma attack.

Acetaminophen and liver function issues: Your liver is critical in your body’s absorption of acetaminophen. If your liver function is impaired, the medication can accumulate in your bloodstream and further damage your liver. If you have any known issues with liver function, ask your doctor if acetaminophen is safe to take. They may recommend a lower dosage or suggest taking an alternative medication.

The best way to prevent any negative medication interaction is to make sure that anyone prescribing a medication for you is informed of your entire health history. This is especially important if you see multiple doctors, take multiple medications, or live with a chronic health condition.

When you are prescribed a medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take — both OTC and prescription — as well as supplements, vitamins, and herbs. They should also have a sense of your diet.

Consolidating your prescriptions at one pharmacy can also prevent interactions between multiple medications. At Alto, we check for potential interactions when we receive a new prescription by reviewing every prescription on file.

You should always know the answers to the following questions when taking a medication. Never hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional clarification.

Can I take this medication with other medications?

Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when taking this medication?

Are there known potential medication interactions? If so, what signs should I watch for?

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

While many people who suffer a heart attack are able to experience a full and active life after recovering, it often takes time to get back on your feet. And given the risk of another heart attack — about 1 in 5 of those age 45 and older have a second one within five years of their first — it’s important to prioritize your health and stay proactive about prevention efforts.

Medications Used After a Heart Attack

Recovery looks different for each person, with treatment dependent upon a variety of factors including the type of heart attack you had, its severity, and your overall health history. In most cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is necessary to manage the risk of another heart attack. Here’s an overview of what to expect.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked as the result of a blockage in a coronary artery. There are two main types of heart attacks, categorized by the extent of the blockage:

An ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a “STEMI” heart attack, is caused by a complete blockage.

A non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as an “NSTEMI” heart attack, is caused by a partial blockage.

Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, is the cause of most heart attacks. In this condition, accumulation of plaque causes the coronary arteries to become hardened or blocked.

Too often, people learn that they have coronary artery disease after having a heart attack. To detect cardiovascular issues at an early stage, consult with your doctor about your risk for heart disease. Your doctor may use a cardiac risk calculator to assess your chances of developing heart disease based on your personal health history.

Remember that your risk can be managed. The purpose of calculating it is to help you take important preventative steps. While some drivers of heart disease like age and genetics aren’t modifiable, you have control over many others, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and physical inactivity.

Presentation of heart attack symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another. In fact, not everyone who has a heart attack develops symptoms. When they do occur, they can range from mild to severe, developing suddenly or over the course of days or weeks. 

If you think you might be having a heart attack, seek medical care right away. Chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom for both men and women, but watch for the following signs as well.

There is some variation between men and women in the presentation of a heart attack. The symptoms marked with an asterisk (*) are more common in women.

The timeline for heart attack recovery ranges from two weeks to three months. Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, medication, and cardiac rehabilitation. Surgical procedures may be necessary to treat more severe cases.

It’s important to actively participate in your health after a heart attack. Recovery care and prevention should be a collaborative effort between you and your care team. Stay on track with your appointments. The American Heart Association recommends visiting your doctor for a follow-up appointment within six weeks of your heart attack.

Many people find enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program to be beneficial for heart attack recovery. These programs offer access to expert healthcare professionals who can support you in making changes to your routine and managing stress. Speak with your doctor about whether cardiac rehabilitation is a good fit for your needs. 

Your doctor may advise you to change health habits after a heart attack. For many people that includes: 

Avoiding cigarette smoke and limiting your alcohol intake

Medications prescribed after a heart attack

The primary goal of post-heart attack care is to reduce the risk of another heart attack. A variety of medications may be prescribed to:

Prevent complications such as arrhythmias, blood clots, and heart failure

These are the most commonly prescribed medication classes.

Anticoagulants reduce the blood’s ability to form new clots and prevent existing clots from growing. Commonly prescribed anticoagulants include:

Warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), which prevents the liver from processing vitamin K into proteins that help form blood clots.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban (Eliquis®), betrixaban (Bevyxxa®), dabigatran (Pradaxa®), edoxaban (Savaysa®), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), which directly block the blood’s ability to form clots.

Like anticoagulants, antiplatelets prevent blood clots from forming. They accomplish this specifically by preventing blood platelets from sticking together. Commonly prescribed antiplatelets include:

Frequently used to lower blood pressure, ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow, so that more blood can flow through. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) also protect blood vessels from the hormone angiotensin II to lower blood pressure. Commonly prescribed ARBs include:

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully, lowering your blood pressure. They also help improve overall blood flow by opening up your veins and arteries.

Commonly prescribed beta blockers include:

Beta blockers typically aren’t recommended for those with asthma, as they can trigger severe asthma attacks.

Never stop taking a beta blocker without first consulting with your doctor. Abruptly stopping the use of these medications can increase the risk of heart attack.

Alpha-beta blockers combine alpha and beta blockers to decrease constriction of blood vessels and help the heart work less forcefully.

Commonly prescribed alpha-beta blockers include:

Also used to lower blood pressure, calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This opens up narrowed blood vessels and eases the heart’s workload.

Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:

Diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Cardizem SR®, Dilacor XR®, Tiazac®)

Verapamil (Calan SR®, Covera HS®, Isoptin SR®, Verelan®)

The most common cholesterol-lowering medication, statins act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. Commonly prescribed statins include:

If statins aren’t the best option for you or your cholesterol levels need to decrease further, your doctor may prescribe a non-statin cholesterol medication such as ezetimibe (Zetia®) or alirocumab (Praluent®).

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. It lowers your cholesterol by reducing the small intestine’s absorption of cholesterol.

Alirocumab belongs to a newer class of injectable cholesterol-lowering medications called PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications act on proteins produced by the liver that are linked to high cholesterol levels.

Pharmacy Care After a Heart Attack

Hyperlipidemia refers to high blood levels of two types of lipids: cholesterol and triglycerides. While high cholesterol is the most common type, hyperlipidemia also includes hypertriglyceridemia — in which triglyceride levels are too high — and mixed hyperlipidemia, in which both cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high.

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

Untreated hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and those with the condition may face a greater risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Fortunately, all forms of hyperlipidemia can be managed with lifestyle changes and/or medications.

Below, we explain more about the causes and risk factors for hyperlipidemia and how to manage the condition.

Hyperlipidemia occurs when a person’s levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”), or both are too high. Both triglycerides and cholesterol are types of lipids, or fatty acids, that move through your blood.

Neither cholesterol nor triglycerides are inherently bad. In fact, your body needs them, and each serves a distinct purpose:

Cholesterol builds cells and some hormones

In high amounts, however, LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides cause plaque to gradually accumulate inside of your blood vessels. Over time, this makes it increasingly difficult for blood to move through your body. By depriving the heart and brain of nutrients and oxygen, this can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Other complications of hyperlipidemia include:

Hyperlipidemia can develop as the result of genetics, lifestyle factors, other health conditions, and medications.

If you have been prescribed any of the above medications, speak with your doctor about the balance of benefits and risks.

Hyperlipidemia is typically not accompanied by any visible symptoms, so it’s important to stay on track with regular screening.

A lipid profile, or lipid panel, is a simple blood test that measures your levels of:

HDL cholesterol (aka “good cholesterol”)

LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”)

The exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol and triglyceride levels depends on a variety of health factors and may vary by individual. Below are general guidelines, however it’s important to work with your doctor to determine your target range.

A healthy range for total cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

A healthy range for HDL cholesterol is typically considered to be higher than 40 mg/dL for men and higher than 50 mg/dL for women

A healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL

A healthy range for triglycerides is typically considered to be less than 150 mg/dL

If your cholesterol and triglycerides are in what your doctor considers to be a healthy range, the recommended frequency for screening is usually every 4-6 years. If you are at a higher risk for heart health issues, you may need more frequent screenings.

In most cases, a doctor will recommend lifestyle changes as the starting point of treatment for hyperlipidemia.

Diet is one of two main sources of cholesterol — the other being your liver — so revisiting your dietary choices is a simple way to rebalance cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels.

Aim to reduce your consumption of saturated fats such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, which increase blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Avoid trans fats such as baked goods, fast food, vegetable shortening, and margarine as much as possible.

Healthy foods to load up on include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts.

Exercise is another component of managing hyperlipidemia — and of practicing an overall heart-healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each day.

If you are just beginning to develop your workout routine, remember that the important thing is to start somewhere, and you can always work your way up to more intense exercise.

If you have unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels, smoking further increases your risk of heart health issues. If you currently smoke, ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources. If you don’t smoke, try to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.

Medication may be prescribed to improve cholesterol or triglyceride levels if lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower cholesterol:

Statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and fluvastatin (Lescol®) act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. They are the most common cholesterol-lowering medication.

The cholesterol absorption inhibitor Ezetimibe (Zetia®) is the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication.

ACL inhibitors such as bempedoic acid (Nexletol®) are often taken in combination with statins to further lower cholesterol in individuals with heart disease. These medications target a certain enzyme to block production of cholesterol in the liver.

For a closer look at cholesterol-lowering medication options, read How to Manage High Cholesterol: Diet, Medications, and More.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower triglyceride levels:

Fibrates such as Gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and Fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide™) - these typically aren’t recommended for those with severe kidney or liver disease

Niacin, a B vitamin that reduces the liver’s production of blood fats

Prescription-strength fish oil formulations such as Lovaza®

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering medications. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has made parenthood a reality for many individuals and couples who once struggled to conceive, but that doesn’t mean it is an easy process. Not only is it challenging on both an emotional and financial level, the fertility medications used in a cycle can affect the body in many ways.

How to Navigate Common IVF Side Effects

Knowing what to anticipate can make the experience easier to navigate. To help you prepare as much as possible for your IVF cycle, we’ve put together a guide to medication side effects and management strategies.

This post is a deep dive into medication side effects. For a closer look at the IVF process and medication sequencing, read:

IVF and Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

IVF Medications: Schedule and Side Effects Explained

Below are the main categories of IVF medications and associated side effects. While individual medication protocols vary, you can generally anticipate the types of medications your doctor will prescribe.

The first phase of IVF focuses on stimulating egg growth. These are some of the medications you may take during this stage:

These medications are typically taken as nightly injections, with the exception of Clomid/Letrozole, which is an oral medication.

Known side effects of these medications include:

Injection site reaction (soreness, redness, or mild bruising)

Mood swings including heightened sensitivity, irritability, euphoria, or depression - individual responses vary

Ovulation suppression medications prevent premature ovulation — the body’s natural release of eggs from the ovaries — so that your doctor can retrieve as many eggs as possible for fertilization. These are some of the medications you may take at this stage:

Cetrotide/Fyramedel™ (ganirelix acetate)

These medications also bring the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition is characterized by swelling and pain in the ovaries as the result of over stimulation or an excessive hormonal response to fertility medications. Many mild cases don’t require treatment, but doctors often recommend the following medications for moderate to severe symptoms. (These medications may also be prescribed to prevent OHSS.)

Cabergoline is an oral medication, sometimes used vaginally, that can reduce OHSS symptoms

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonists or letrozole suppress ovarian activity

In some cases, your doctor may recommend canceling treatment and starting a new cycle in the future after OHSS symptoms have resolved.

Once your eggs have sufficiently developed, your doctor will schedule 1-3 trigger shots to give your eggs a final growth spurt and trigger release.

At this point in your cycle you may feel very full in your abdomen as the ovaries are enlarged from growing follicles.

The final phase of IVF is the transfer of a fertilized egg into your uterus. Progesterone or estrogen supplements are often prescribed at this stage to support successful implantation of an embryo and sustain a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone is taken as an intramuscular injection or vaginally in the form of suppositories and capsules. Known side effects include:

Soreness or swelling at the site of injection, if taking progesterone injections

Vaginal itching or burning and yeast infection, if taking vaginally

Estrogen is typically taken as a topical patch but can also be taken orally, vaginally, or as an injection. Known side effects include:

Redness or irritation in the skin covered by the patch, if taking topically

Increased vaginal discharge, if taking vaginally

Blog

How to Prevent or Treat Heartburn

Medication Interactions, Explained

Medications Used After a Heart Attack

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

How to Navigate Common IVF Side Effects

Medications Used After a Stroke

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

Understanding the Stress-Heart Health Connection

Common Treatments for Allergic Rashes

How to Manage an Overactive or Underactive Thyroid

Meet the Innovation Team Building Alto's Next Big Bets

Endometriosis: A Leading and Treatable Cause of Female Infertility

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