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Ovidrel is an injection used as part of fertility treatments to help people get pregnant. Common side effects include stomach pain and discomfort at the injection site. Though serious side effects are less common, they may include blood clots and severe ovary problems.

Uses

What is Ovidrel used for?

Ovidrel (choriogonadotropin alfa) is commonly used to help people get pregnant. It is used as part of fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Ovidrel is also commonly used to induce ovulation, which means it helps the ovaries release an egg.

Ovidrel may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Ovidrel work (mechanism of action)?

Ovidrel is similar to a natural hormone that triggers the final steps in egg maturation and ovulation. It works by binding to specific receptors on the ovaries, allowing the egg to be released. 

How is Ovidrel supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ovidrel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mcg/0.5 mL prefilled syringe

How should I store Ovidrel?

Store Ovidrel in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), or at room temperature, up to 77 F (25 C). If Ovidrel is kept at room temperature, it must be used within 30 days or discarded. Keep Ovidrel in its original box to protect it from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ovidrel?

The most common side effects of Ovidrel are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or bruising near the injection site
  • Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting
  • Stomach pain and swelling

There may be other side effects of Ovidrel that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Ovidrel?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Ovidrel are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ovidrel may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Ovidrel can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This condition can be serious and causes the ovaries to become swollen and painful, and they may leak fluid. Using Ovidrel may also cause other problems with the ovaries, such as swelling, twisting, or cysts. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Stomach pain or swelling
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Less urine (pee) than usual 
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Pain in the lower back or pelvis that may be sharp and sudden
  • Fast breathing or heart rate

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ovidrel?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ovidrel.

  • Choriogonadotropin alfa
  • Ovidrel
  • Any other medicine known as a chorionic gonadotropin or hCG product
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ovidrel.

Pregnancy. Do not use Ovidrel if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. People with the following health problems should not use Ovidrel, as it could make these conditions worse.

  • Ovarian failure, which is a condition where your ovaries have stopped working much earlier than usual, so your body no longer makes eggs
  • Problems with your thyroid or adrenal glands
  • Certain types of brain tumors
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding without a known cause
  • Ovarian cysts or your ovaries are enlarged without a known cause
  • Tumors that affect the ovaries, breast, or uterus and depend on hormones to grow

What should I know about Ovidrel before using it?

Do not use Ovidrel unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Ovidrel with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Ovidrel is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Ovidrel. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep Ovidrel out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Attend all checkups and tests as directed. Ovidrel can affect certain lab tests, especially those that measure hormones. If you need a test to check hormones, make sure your health care team knows you are using Ovidrel.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Ovidrel?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ovidrel is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have blood clots or a family history of blood clots.

Multiple Births. Using Ovidrel raises the chance of becoming pregnant with more than one baby, especially twins. This can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Discuss and consider these risks with your health care provider before using Ovidrel. 

Pregnancy. Ovidrel is commonly used when people are trying to get pregnant. But using it during pregnancy may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ovidrel passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Ovidrel while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Ovidrel?

For more information about Ovidrel, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.emdseronofertility.com/patient.html or call them at 866-538-7879.

Interactions

Does Ovidrel interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ovidrel and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ovidrel.

Does Ovidrel interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Ovidrel and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ovidrel?

If you or someone else has used too much Ovidrel, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ovidrel?

Ovidrel is meant to be used only as instructed for your treatment. Use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses. If you miss a dose, call your health care provider right away to learn what to do.