Chorionic Gonadotropin Alfa, Recombinant (Injection)

Chorionic Gonadotropin Alfa, Recombinant (kore-ee-ON-ik goe-NAD-oh-troe-pin AL-fa re-KOM-bi-nant)

Used as a part of infertility treatment to make a woman's ovary release an egg (ovulation).

Brand Name(s):

Ovidrel
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), if you are pregnant, or if you have primary ovarian failure, certain types of tumors, thyroid or adrenal gland problems that are not under control, or swelling of your ovaries or abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• This medicine must be mixed with a liquid before you use it.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule, or it may not work properly. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Once you have received your injection, throw away any of the mixed medicine that has not been used.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature or in the refrigerator, away from heat and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may cause more than one egg at a time to be released from the ovary, and there is a chance you may become pregnant with more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.). Talk with your doctor about this risk before you start using this medicine.
• Some side effects of this medicine may happen up to 2 weeks after treatment.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Sudden severe headache, chest pain, or leg pain
• Trouble breathing
• Unexplained weight gain, bloating
• Urinating less than normal
• Vision problems

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Pain, redness, swelling, or bruising where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.