Type of medicine: infertility treatment; gonadotropin
Generic and brand names: choriogonadotropin alfa recombinant, injection; Ovidrel
This medicine is given by subcutaneous injection (a shot just under the skin) to help you become pregnant. It stimulates ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary). You may also have shots of a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Your healthcare provider will explain.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
If you are pregnant this medicine can seriously harm the baby. You must have a negative pregnancy test before you start this treatment. Do not breast-feed during this treatment.
Your healthcare provider may give you the shot. Keep all appointments.
Sometimes you can give yourself the shot or have someone at home give it to you.
If your healthcare provider determines that you can give yourself these shots or have someone at home give it to you, read and follow carefully the instructions that come in the medicine package. Ask your provider or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand. Use the sterile prefilled syringe. Use it only once and dispose of it safely, according to your provider's instructions.
If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shot, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
Do not miss a dose or an appointment for a dose. If you miss a dose or an appointment for a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You will have a physical exam, hormone tests, and other tests before you start treatment. You will also have a pregnancy test to be sure that you are not pregnant when you receive this medicine.
Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely after these shots. You will have several ultrasound scans and blood tests to determine how this medicine is working. Keep all your appointments for tests.
If you think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine and contact your provider right away.
This medicine may cause multiple births (two or more babies in one pregnancy).
You may have abdominal pain or swelling, which goes away within 2 to 3 weeks. If it becomes severe, contact your healthcare provider.
Rarely, this medicine causes a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The symptoms are severe abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, reduced urination or burning when you urinate. If you have these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe pelvic or abdominal pain or bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, inability to urinate, vaginal bleeding; numbness or weakness (especially on one side of your body); confusion; sudden or severe headache; pain or swelling in your leg or calf; problems with speech, vision, or balance.
Other: Irritation or inflammation where the shots are given, hiccups, gas, breast pain, back pain, fever, dizziness, cough, headache, irritability, hot flashes, trouble sleeping.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
It is best to store this medicine in the refrigerator. If you store this medicine at room temperature you must use it within 30 days. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
