What Is Novarel and What Does It Treat?
Novarel is a brand of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone used to trigger ovulation in women undergoing fertility treatments like IVF or to treat low testosterone and undescended testicles in men. It's injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Always follow your doctor's prescription—dosing varies by condition, patient weight, and cycle timing.
Standard Dosage Instructions
- For ovulation induction (women): Typically 5,000–10,000 units injected once, 24–36 hours after the last dose of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or menotropins. Ovulation usually occurs within 38–40 hours.
- For hypogonadism (men): 1,000–2,000 units injected 2–3 times per week, often combined with testosterone.
- For prepubertal cryptorchidism (boys): 4,000 units injected 3 times per week for 3 weeks, or 5,000 units every second day for 4 injections, repeated after 1 month if needed.
Do not self-adjust doses. Maximum daily dose is usually under 10,000 units.[1][2]
How to Prepare and Inject Novarel
- Reconstitute the powder: Use the provided bacteriostatic water. Draw air into the syringe equal to the water volume, inject into the vial, then withdraw the solution. Gently swirl—do not shake—to dissolve the powder. Refrigerate the mixed solution; use within 30–60 days.
- Choose injection site: Subcutaneous (under skin) on abdomen, thigh, or upper arm; intramuscular (into muscle) in buttock or upper arm. Rotate sites.
- Inject: Clean site with alcohol swab. Pinch skin for subcutaneous, insert needle at 45–90° angle, inject slowly, then withdraw. Dispose of needle in sharps container.
Visual guides from manufacturers show sterile technique to avoid infection.[1][3]
Timing and What to Expect After Injection
- Women: Schedule intercourse or insemination 24–36 hours post-injection. Pregnancy test 14 days later.
- Men/Boys: Follow full course; re-evaluate with doctor via blood tests or ultrasounds.
Effects peak in 6–12 hours; multiple pregnancy risk is 10–20% in fertility use.[2]
Common Side Effects and Risks
Pain/redness at injection site (most common), headache, fatigue, or irritability. Serious risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS: abdominal pain, bloating, shortness of breath—seek emergency care), blood clots, or ectopic pregnancy. Report severe symptoms immediately. Not for use in prostate cancer, hormone-dependent tumors, or thyroid issues.[1][2]
Storage and Missed Dose
Store unmixed vials at room temperature (15–30°C); mixed solution in fridge (2–8°C). Discard if discolored or past expiration. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor—do not double up.[3]
Who Should Avoid Novarel?
Pregnant/nursing women, those with allergies to hCG, or conditions like asthma, migraines, or heart disease. Inform your doctor of all medications to avoid interactions (e.g., with gonadorelin).[2]
Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance; this is not medical advice.
Sources:
[1] [Drugs.com - Novarel]
[2] [FDA Label - Novarel]
[3] [Ferring Pharmaceuticals Patient Guide]