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 in men. It mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) to support egg maturation and release.[1]
Standard Dosage Guidelines
Dosing depends on the condition:
- Women (ovulation induction): Typically 5,000–10,000 USP units injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously once, 24–36 hours after the last dose of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or menotropins.[1]
- Prepubertal cryptorchidism in boys: 4,000 USP units injected intramuscularly 3 times weekly for 3 weeks, or 5,000 USP units every other day for 4 injections; repeat after 1 month if needed.[1]
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men: 1,000–2,000 USP units injected intramuscularly 2–3 times weekly, often combined with testosterone.[1]
Always follow a doctor's prescribed dose—do not self-adjust.
How to Inject Novarel Step-by-Step
Novarel comes as a powder that must be mixed with sterile diluent (usually bacteriostatic water) before use. Use within 30–60 days of reconstitution if refrigerated.[1]
1. Prepare supplies: Wash hands, gather syringe, needle (22–25 gauge for mixing, 27–30 gauge for injection), alcohol swabs, vial of Novarel powder, and diluent vial.
2. Mix the solution: Draw air into syringe equal to diluent volume. Inject air into diluent vial, then withdraw 1–2 mL diluent (yields ~500–1,000 units/mL concentration). Inject into Novarel vial, gently swirl—do not shake.
3. Draw dose: Wipe vial top, draw exact prescribed units into new syringe.
4. Choose site: Subcutaneous (SC) in abdomen (2 inches from navel) or upper arm/thigh; intramuscular (IM) in buttock or upper arm.
5. Inject: Clean site with alcohol, pinch skin for SC or stretch for IM, insert needle at 45–90° angle, push plunger slowly, withdraw needle, and apply pressure.
6. Dispose: Use sharps container for needles.
Store unmixed vials at room temperature; refrigerate mixed solution.[1]
Timing for Fertility Treatments
Inject the hCG trigger shot when follicles reach 16–20 mm on ultrasound. Ovulation occurs ~36–40 hours later, so time intercourse or egg retrieval accordingly. Use an ovulation predictor kit if needed to confirm.[1][2]
Common Side Effects and What to Watch For
- Mild: Injection site pain, headache, fatigue, irritability, breast tenderness, water retention.
- Serious (seek immediate help): Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)—abdominal pain/swelling, nausea, rapid weight gain; allergic reactions; blood clots; ectopic pregnancy risk.[1]
Men may experience gynecomastia or acne. Report multiple pregnancies or severe symptoms to your doctor.
What If I Miss a Dose or Overdose?
Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered unless near next dose—do not double up. Overdose: Can worsen OHSS; contact poison control or ER immediately.[1]
Precautions and Who Should Avoid It
Not for use in prostate cancer, tumors, thyroid issues, or during pregnancy (except specific cases). Inform doctor of allergies, asthma, epilepsy, migraines, or heart/kidney disease. hCG can cause false-positive pregnancy tests for up to 10 days post-injection.[1]
Storage and Cost Considerations
Unmixed: Room temperature (up to 77°F). Mixed: Refrigerate 36–46°F, discard after 30–90 days. Generic hCG available; Novarel pricing varies ($50–150/vial without insurance).[1][3]
For full details, consult the package insert or prescribing physician. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks hCG patents, with key ones expiring 2025–2030, potentially lowering costs via generics.[4]
Sources:
[1]: Novarel Prescribing Information (FDA-approved label)
[2]: ASRM Fertility Treatment Guidelines
[3]: GoodRx hCG Pricing
[4]: DrugPatentWatch.com - hCG Patents