Drug Notes

Chorionic gonadotropin alfa, recombinant (By injection)

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

Used to make a woman's ovary release an egg (ovulate).

Brand Name(s):

Ovidrel

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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 into one of your muscles. A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• 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. 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.
• Once you have received your injection, throw away any of the mixed medicine that has not been used.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

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:

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, you have thyroid or adrenal gland problems, or you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• This medicine may cause more than one egg at a time to be released from your ovary. If this happens, you may become pregnant with more than one baby. Talk with your doctor about this risk before you start using this medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Sudden, severe headache, chest pain, or leg pain
• Trouble breathing
• Unexplained weight gain, bloating
• Urinating less than usual
• Vision problems

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

• Mild nausea 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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017