Yes, Novarel Is Used for Fertility Treatment
Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin injection) is an FDA-approved human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) medication prescribed to trigger ovulation in women undergoing fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or controlled ovarian stimulation.[1] It mimics the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, prompting mature eggs to release from the ovaries, typically 36 hours after injection.[2]
How Novarel Fits into IVF and Ovulation Induction
In fertility protocols, doctors combine Novarel with drugs like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) analogs (e.g., Gonal-F or Follistim). After monitoring follicle growth via ultrasound, Novarel is given as the "trigger shot" to finalize egg maturation before retrieval or timed intercourse.[1][3] It's not for daily use but as a one-time dose (5,000–10,000 units intramuscularly).[2]
Common Fertility Uses and Who It's For
- Women: Pre-treatment for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (low gonadotropin levels causing infertility); inducing ovulation in anovulatory patients.[1]
- Men: Sometimes off-label for low sperm count (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), but primary indication is female fertility.[2]
Not suitable for primary ovarian failure or uncontrolled thyroid/adrenal issues.[1]
Novarel vs. Similar Fertility Triggers
| Drug | Active Ingredient | Key Difference |
|------|-------------------|---------------|
| Novarel | hCG (urinary-derived) | Cheaper generic option; longer half-life (up to 36 hours).[2] |
| Ovidrel | recombinant hCG | Lab-made, purer; similar efficacy but higher cost (~$100–150/dose).[3] |
| Lupron | GnRH agonist | Used as trigger in some high-responder IVF cases to reduce OHSS risk; shorter action.[4] |
Novarel costs $50–100 per vial, often covered by insurance for fertility.[5]
Potential Side Effects in Fertility Patients
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk (bloating, abdominal pain, rare severe cases); injection site reactions; multiple pregnancies (10–30% chance).[1][2] Ectopic pregnancy risk is similar to natural cycles. Monitor via blood tests/Ultrasound post-trigger.[3]
Who Makes Novarel and Availability
Ferring Pharmaceuticals manufactures Novarel; available as a generic since 1994.[6] No active patents listed on DrugPatentWatch.com, allowing multiple suppliers.[7] Requires prescription; refrigerated storage.
Sources
[1] FDA Label: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/017035s094lbl.pdf
[2] Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/novarel.html
[3] ASRM Guidelines: https://www.asrm.org/globalassets/asrm/asrm-content/news-and-publications/practice-guidelines/for-non-members/ovarian-stimulation-patients.pdf
[4] Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
[5] GoodRx Pricing: https://www.goodrx.com/novarel
[6] Ferring: https://www.ferringusa.com/products/novarel
[7] DrugPatentWatch.com: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/NOVAREL