Ovidrel

Indications

Choriogonadotropin Alfa is a lab-made (recombinant) form of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone. It is used in fertility treatment to trigger the final ripening of eggs and their release (ovulation) after the ovaries have been stimulated with other fertility medicines. It is used in assisted reproduction such as IVF and in ovulation induction.

How It Works

The medicine acts like the natural surge of luteinising hormone (LH) that happens in the middle of a menstrual cycle. This signal tells the mature follicles (small fluid sacs that hold the eggs) to finish maturing and release the egg, usually about 36 hours after the injection. It also supports the corpus luteum, the structure that makes progesterone after ovulation.

Dosage and Administration

This is a specialist fertility medicine. It is usually given as a single injection under the skin, at a time chosen by the fertility doctor based on ultrasound scans and blood tests, normally 24 to 48 hours after the last dose of follicle-stimulating medicine. Use exactly as prescribed. The first injection should be given or supervised by a doctor or nurse; you may then be taught to inject yourself. Do not change the timing on your own.

Interactions

No important drug interactions are known. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you use. This medicine can give a false positive pregnancy test for up to about 10 days after the injection, so follow your clinic's advice on when to test.

Contraindications

• Allergy to hCG or any ingredient
• Tumours of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
• Cancer of the ovary, womb or breast
• Enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Ectopic pregnancy in the previous 3 months
• Active blood clotting disorders
• Conditions in which pregnancy is not possible, such as early menopause or certain womb abnormalities

Side Effects

Common effects include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, tummy pain and bloating. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), in which the ovaries swell and fluid leaks into the abdomen, can happen. Multiple pregnancy (twins or more) and ectopic pregnancy are more likely after fertility treatment.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe tummy pain or swelling, sudden weight gain, severe nausea or vomiting, passing very little urine, shortness of breath, leg pain or swelling, chest pain, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

This medicine is used to help achieve pregnancy and is not used once pregnancy is established. It is not used during breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Treatment should be supervised by a fertility specialist with ultrasound monitoring. Thyroid, adrenal or pituitary problems should be checked and treated before starting. Women with a history of blood clots or with risk factors for clots need extra care. Tell the doctor at once if you notice symptoms of OHSS.

Overdose

Too much may increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Contact the fertility clinic or a doctor straight away if an extra dose is given.

Therapeutic Class

Gonadotropin (recombinant hCG), fertility hormone

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze. Keep in the original pack to protect from light, out of the reach of children. Follow any pack instructions on short-term storage at room temperature.