Recombinant hCG Pregnancy: eMC 4.6: there is no indication for the use of Ovitrelle during pregnancy. Data on a limited number of exposed pregnancies indicate no increased risks of malformation or foeto/neonatal toxicity; no animal reproduction studies with choriogonadotropin alfa were performed and the potential risk for humans is unknown. Not indicated during breast-feeding; there are no data on excretion in milk.

Choriogonadotropin alfa

Brand names: Ovitrelle

Choriogonadotropin alfa is a recombinant form of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) used in assisted reproduction to trigger final follicular maturation and ovulation.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: 250 micrograms (one pre-filled pen) as a single administration

Route: Subcutaneous

Frequency: Single dose per treatment cycle

Max: The maximum dose is 250 micrograms

eMC 4.2 (Ovitrelle 250 micrograms/0.5 ml pre-filled pen SPC). Treatment should be performed under the supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of fertility problems. WOMEN UNDERGOING SUPEROVULATION PRIOR TO ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (e.g. IVF): one pre-filled pen (250 micrograms) is administered 24 to 48 hours after the last administration of an FSH or hMG preparation, i.e. when optimal stimulation of follicular growth is achieved. ANOVULATORY OR OLIGO-OVULATORY WOMEN: one pre-filled pen (250 micrograms) is administered 24 to 48 hours after optimal stimulation of follicular growth is achieved; the patient is recommended to have coitus on the day of, and the day after, the injection. Single use only. Self-administration should only be performed by patients who are adequately trained and have access to expert advice. If signs of ovarian hyperstimulation occur it is recommended that hCG be withheld and the patient advised to refrain from coitus or use barrier contraception for at least 4 days. RENAL OR HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT: safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics have not been established. PROVENANCE NOTE: the openFDA record in this bundle is PREGNYL (urinary chorionic gonadotropin, intramuscular, dosed in USP units) - a DIFFERENT product from recombinant choriogonadotropin alfa; its USP unit regimens were not used and must not be applied to this page.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients (eMC 4.3)
Tumours of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
Ovarian enlargement or cyst unrelated to polycystic ovarian syndrome; gynaecological haemorrhages of unknown aetiology
Ovarian, uterine or mammary carcinoma; active thromboembolic disorders
Must not be used where an effective response cannot be obtained: primary ovarian failure, malformations of sexual organs incompatible with pregnancy, fibroid tumours of the uterus incompatible with pregnancy, postmenopausal women

Side effects

Mild or moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (common); severe OHSS (uncommon) - OHSS observed in approximately 4% of patients, severe OHSS in less than 0.5%
Headache (common)
Abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting (common); abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea (uncommon)
Injection site reactions (common)
Mild to severe hypersensitivity reactions including rash, anaphylactic reactions and shock (very rare); thromboembolism, both in association with and separate from OHSS (very rare)

Clinical monograph

How it works

It mimics the action of luteinising hormone at LH/hCG receptors, inducing final oocyte maturation and rupture of the mature follicle after adequate follicular development.

Prescribing in practice

It is given to trigger ovulation only once follicular development is adequate, as administering it can precipitate or worsen ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
It should be withheld if there is an excessive ovarian response or an abnormally high number of follicles because of the heightened hyperstimulation risk.
It is administered by subcutaneous injection within an assisted conception protocol under specialist supervision.

Monitoring

Ovarian response is assessed by ultrasound and hormone monitoring before the trigger, and patients are watched for signs of hyperstimulation afterwards.

Counselling the patient

This injection is the trigger that prepares your eggs for collection or release at a precise time.
Follow the exact timing instructions given by your fertility clinic.
Report marked abdominal swelling, pain, breathlessness, or reduced urine output, which may indicate ovarian hyperstimulation.

Evidence & guidelines

Recombinant hCG is an established ovulation-triggering agent in controlled ovarian stimulation protocols for assisted conception.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways