Ovidrel Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Ovidrel Injection (choriogonadotropin alfa) is an injectable fertility medicine belonging to the gonadotropin hormone class. It is similar to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and is used to trigger final egg maturation and ovulation as part of fertility treatment. It is given as a subcutaneous injection at a specific time in a treatment cycle. It is intended for use in women of child-bearing age and is not meant for children or seniors.

What is Ovidrel Injection

Ovidrel is an injectable fertility medicine. It contains choriogonadotropin alfa, which is similar to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone made by the placenta during pregnancy.

Ovidrel Injection uses

• Helping people get pregnant as part of fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Inducing ovulation, which helps the ovaries release an egg
• Female infertility
• Male infertility
• Cryptorchidism (a condition where the testes haven't descended)

Benefits of Ovidrel Injection

• Helps trigger final maturation of the egg (oocyte) before ovulation.
• Helps induce ovulation in women undergoing fertility treatment.
• Is commonly used after FSH stimulation in IVF, IUI, and other assisted reproductive procedures.
• Helps time ovulation more predictably for egg retrieval or insemination.
• Mimics the natural luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that normally triggers ovulation.
• Can improve the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy when used as part of an appropriate fertility-treatment plan.

How Ovidrel Injection works

Ovidrel acts like a natural hormone that triggers the final steps of egg maturation. It attaches to specific receptors on the ovaries, which causes the egg to be released.

Ovidrel Injection dosage

This medicine is injected under the skin. It must be given at a very specific time because it is the final step to help eggs develop and to help with ovulation. Make sure you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use this medicine before injecting it.

Wash your hands with soap and water before injecting, and wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab to help prevent infection. After injecting, you can place gauze over the area and apply pressure for several seconds to help stop any bleeding.

Inspect the solution carefully before injecting; do not use it if it appears to contain particles or is not clear. Throw away used syringes in a proper sharps container rather than the regular trash.

This medicine is meant for women of child-bearing age; it is not intended for use in children or seniors.

Available forms and strengths

• Prefilled syringe (250 mcg/0.5 mL)
• Prefilled pen

Side effects of Ovidrel Injection

Common

• Pain, itching, swelling, or bruising near the injection site
• Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting
• Stomach pain and swelling
• Bloating
• Headache
• Irritability
• Enlargement of breasts
• Trouble sleeping
• Tiredness
• Discouragement or feeling sad

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction: breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, dizziness or fainting
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: severe stomach or pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight gain, trouble breathing, less urine than usual, vaginal bleeding
• Blood clots that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism: chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden severe headache, trouble speaking, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, pain and swelling in one leg

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to choriogonadotropin alfa, other hCG products, or any of its ingredients.
• People with ovarian failure, thyroid or adrenal gland problems, certain brain tumors, unexplained vaginal bleeding, ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries without a known cause, or hormone-dependent tumors of the ovary, breast, or uterus should not use this medicine, as it could make these conditions worse.
• This medicine can raise the chance of becoming pregnant with more than one baby, especially twins, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
• This medicine can raise the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious problems such as heart attack, stroke, or a blood clot in the lung. Tell your doctor about any personal or family history of blood clots, smoking, or being overweight.
• Do not share this medicine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
• Do not use Ovidrel if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Using it during pregnancy may harm the baby. Contact your health care provider right away if you become pregnant.
• It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breastfeeding while using it.
• It isn't known if drinking alcohol affects this medicine. Ask your doctor before drinking alcohol while using it.

Storage

• Store refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F) in the original carton.
• Protect the injection from light and excessive heat.
• Do not freeze; do not use if the medicine has been frozen.
• It may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for up to 30 days; follow the specific product label.
• Keep the prefilled syringe sealed until ready for use and do not use after the expiry date.
• Keep securely stored and out of reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Get help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, or hives.
• Tell your health care provider right away if you have stomach pain or swelling, trouble breathing, nausea or vomiting, rapid weight gain, less urine than usual, vaginal bleeding, or sudden sharp pain in the lower back or pelvis. These can be signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
• Call for emergency help right away if you have pain in your legs or arms, chest pain, a sudden severe headache, trouble breathing, or sudden changes in speech or vision, as these can be signs of a blood clot.
• If you think you have used too much of this medicine, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center.

Alternatives

• Pregnyl
• Novarel
• Gonasi
• Gonadorelin