Does Ovidrel cause multiple births (twins/triplets)?

How likely are multiple births after using Ovidrel?

Ovidrel (recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin or rhCG) is a medication used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to stimulate ovulation. It works by mimicking the action of luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers the release of an egg from the ovaries [1].

While Ovidrel can increase the chances of becoming pregnant, it does not directly cause multiple births, including twins or triplets. However, the use of fertility medications like Ovidrel, as part of ART, does slightly increase the risk of multiple pregnancies compared to natural conception.

What are the odds of multiple births with Ovidrel and ART?

A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that the risk of twins and other multiples among women aged 35-39 years who used ART was 26.1% for twins, 5.7% for triplets, and 1.2% for quadruplets or higher order multiples [2]. However, the risk of multiple births depends on various factors, such as age and the number of embryos transferred.

Can other factors influence the risk of multiple births with Ovidrel?

Yes, several factors can affect the risk of multiple births when using Ovidrel for ART. These include:

* The number of embryos transferred, which can vary depending on the individual's age, medical history, and other factors.
* The age of the woman, with older women having a higher risk of multiple births.
* The type of ART procedure used, such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).

What can be done to minimize the risk of multiple births with Ovidrel?

To minimize the risk of multiple births when using Ovidrel for ART, healthcare providers may recommend:

* Transferring a single embryo at a time, especially for women under the age of 35.
* Using advanced reproductive technologies, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), to select a single embryo for transfer.
* Using fertility medications like Ovidrel in combination with other treatments to reduce the risk of overstimulation.

When does exclusivity expire for Ovidrel?

The patent for Ovidrel (recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin) expired in various countries, including the United States, in 2014 [3].

Sources:

[1] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2006). Ovidrel (recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin) injection. Prescribing information.

[2] American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2017). 2017 ASRM/SART Practice Committee Report on the Treatment of Infertility and Multiple Pregnancy.

[3] Drugs.com. (2023). Ovidrel (recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin) injection. Drug patents.

DrugPatentWatch.com: Ovidrel (recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin) expiration dates: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-6201079