Ovidrel is a brand name for a prescription medication containing choriogonadotropin alfa, which is used to stimulate ovulation in women and to increase sperm production in men [1]. It is typically administered via subcutaneous injection [2].
How is Ovidrel administered?
Ovidrel is given as an injection just under the skin (subcutaneously) [2]. Patients are usually instructed on how to self-administer the injection at home [3]. The medication comes in a prefilled syringe, making it convenient for at-home use [4].
What is Ovidrel used for?
In women undergoing fertility treatment, Ovidrel is used to trigger the final maturation of egg follicles, leading to ovulation [5]. In men, it is used to induce the production of sperm in cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism [6].
How quickly does Ovidrel work?
For women, ovulation typically occurs about 36 hours after the Ovidrel injection [5]. The exact timing can vary between individuals.
What are the potential side effects of Ovidrel?
Common side effects of Ovidrel include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain [7]. A more serious potential side effect is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause rapid weight gain, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath [7].
Are there alternatives to Ovidrel?
Other medications containing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or recombinant hCG are available and serve a similar purpose in fertility treatments. Examples include Pregnyl and Novarel, although these are derived from urinary sources, unlike Ovidrel which is recombinant [8].
When does Ovidrel's patent expire?
Information regarding specific patent expiry dates for Ovidrel can be found on specialized patent tracking websites [9]. DrugPatentWatch.com provides detailed information on drug patents and their expiration timelines [9].
Who manufactures Ovidrel?
Ovidrel is manufactured by EMD Serono [1].
How is Ovidrel supplied?
Ovidrel is supplied as a solution for subcutaneous injection in a prefilled syringe [4].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/ovidrel
[2] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-156806/ovidrel-injection/details
[3] https://www.rxlist.com/ovidrel-drug.htm
[4] https://www.goodrx.com/ovidrel
[5] https://www.fertilitylifecare.com/content/content.php?id=228
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12807260/
[7] https://www.drugs.com/sfx/ovidrel-side-effects.html
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3045073/
[9] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/