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Compare Ovidrel vs. HCG

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ovidrel (choriogonadotropin alfa) and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) are both used for fertility treatments, but they have some differences. Ovidrel is a lab-made version of hCG and is only available as a brand-name medication, while HCG is derived from the urine of pregnant women and is available in brand forms like Pregnyl and Novarel. Ovidrel is administered as a single subcutaneous injection, whereas HCG is typically injected into the muscles and may require multiple doses per week. Ovidrel comes in a ready-to-use pre-filled syringe, making it more convenient, while HCG needs to be mixed before injection. Both medications can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, but HCG has additional uses in males for conditions like low testosterone and undescended testes. Common side effects for Ovidrel include injection site pain and bruising, while HCG can cause headaches, irritability, and restlessness.

  • Ovidrel
    Hcg
  • Ovidrel
    Hcg

  • Summary of Ovidrel vs. HCG

    Summary for Gonadotropin
    Prescription only

    Ovidrel (choriogonadotropin alfa) is a gonadotropin injection that's used as a "trigger shot" during fertility treatments, like in vitro fertilization (IVF). It's used as part of the process to help people who are having trouble becoming pregnant. The medication comes in a ready-to-use syringe. But it must be given at a very specific time because it's the final step to help your eggs develop and to help with ovulation (egg release from the ovary). Common side effects can include pain and bruising at the injection site.

    Summary for Gonadotropin
    Prescription only

    Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that's naturally made in the body during pregnancy. It's also very similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone involved in reproduction in males and females. As a medication, HCG (Pregnyl, Novarel) is used for fertility treatments in females. It's also used in certain cases to raise testosterone levels in males and to help the testes descend in males who haven't yet reached puberty (cryptorchidism). HCG is injected into the muscles (or as directed by your provider), typically a few times a week. Some common side effects of HCG can include headache, irritability, and feeling restless.

  • Indications of Ovidrel vs. HCG

    Indications for
    •Infertility
    Indications for
    •Female infertility
    •Low testosterone levels in males (hypogonadism) caused by pituitary gland condition
    •Prepubertal cryptorchidism (a condition where the testes haven't descended)

  • Pros and Cons of Ovidrel vs. HCG

    Pros and Const for Gonadotropin
    Pros
    •Can inject the medication yourself at home
    •Comes as a ready-to-use prefilled syringe
    •Only need one injection of the medication during the fertility treatment process
    Cons
    •Only available as an injection under the skin
    •Must inject the medication at a very specific time to work the best it can
    •No lower-cost generic available; brand name only
    Pros and Const for Gonadotropin
    Pros
    •If appropriate and with proper training, can be injected at home
    •Can be used in children 4 years and older (in certain conditions)
    •Mixed vials can be stored in the refrigerator for 30 days (Novarel) or 60 days (HCG and Pregnyl)
    Cons
    •Need to mix before injection, which can be inconvenient
    •Only available as an injection
    •Can cause headaches and irritability as side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Ovidrel vs. HCG

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain at the injection site (8%)
    •Bruising at the injection site (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Irritability
    •Restlessness
    •Depression
    •Fatigue or tiredness
    •Edema (swelling)
    •Early puberty
    •Growth of breasts in males
    •Pain at injection site

  • Warnings of Ovidrel vs. HCG

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swollen ovaries
    •Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
    •Risk for blood clots, leading to possible complications like heart attack or stroke
    •Possible to become pregnant with more than one baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (closing of the throat)
    •Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
    •Blood clots
    •Getting pregnant with more than one baby
    •Early puberty
    •Risk of cancer with use for male infertility caused by hypogonadism
    •Water retention

  • Prices with our coupons for Ovidrel vs. HCG

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