Ovidrel® is an injectable medication that contains a recombinant (man-made) version of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Recombinant hCG is very similar to naturally occurring hCG medications like Novarel® or Pregnyl®, except it is created in a lab using DNA technology. Ovidrel® is known as a “trigger shot” because it is prescribed to women as a single subcutaneous (under the skin) injection to induce the final maturation and release of eggs after stimulation with gonadotropin medications (Follistim®, Gonal-f®, or Menopur®). During IVF, it is taken approximately 36 hours prior to egg retrieval to simulate the natural surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation in the normal menstrual cycle.
Ovidrel® comes in a disposable, ready-to-use prefilled syringe that requires no mixing before injection. Each Ovidrel® syringe contains a 250 mcg dose that is equivalent to approximately 6,500 units of hCG.
- Ovidrel 250 mcg/0.5 mL Prefilled Syringe
Common side effects of Ovidrel® include:
- Pain, bruising, or inflammation at the injection site
- Upset stomach
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
Some women using Ovidrel® develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during or shortly after treatment. OHSS can be life threatening. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms of OHSS including: severe pelvic pain, abdominal pain and bloating, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, decreased urination, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, including:
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis: Rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- Lung problems: Fluid in your lungs, blue lips/fingernails/skin, chest tightness, coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, rapid heartbeat
- Blood clots: Pain, swelling or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Heart attack: Chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: Sudden problems with vision, speech, or walking, numbness on one side of your body or face
This is not a complete list of side effects that may occur. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Ovidrel® should be stored refrigerated (36℉ to 46℉). Do not freeze. Should refrigeration be unavailable, Ovidrel® can be stored at room temperature (up to 77℉) for no more than 30 days, after which it must be discarded. Store in the original packaging to protect from light.