Ovitrelle (Choriogonadotropin Alfa)

Ovitrelle is a recombinant hCG analogue that acts on the reproductive hormone pathway to induce ovulation and support early luteal function.

• Induced ovulation: Facilitates follicular rupture and oocyte release in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation.
• Luteal phase support: Provides supplemental hCG to maintain corpus luteum function after oocyte retrieval.
• Assisted reproductive technology cycles: Enhances implantation potential when used as part of in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF) protocols.
• Pregnancy testing: Used in a diagnostic context to confirm endogenous hCG production after treatment.
• Endocrine evaluation: Assists in assessing ovarian reserve and pituitary function in specialized endocrine testing.

• Choriogonadotropin alfa is a recombinant form of human chorionic gonadotropin that binds to the LH/hCG receptor on ovarian granulosa cells. Activation of this G‑protein‑coupled receptor stimulates adenylate cyclase, raising intracellular cAMP and promoting steroidogenesis, follicular maturation and the final ovulatory surge that releases the oocyte.

Adverse reactions to Ovitrelle are generally mild and transient, but clinicians monitor patients for both common and rare events.

Common Side Effects

• Injection site pain: Local discomfort or erythema at the injection site.
• Headache: Mild to moderate cephalic pain.
• Nausea: Transient gastrointestinal upset.
• Fatigue: Generalised tiredness.
• Abdominal discomfort: Mild cramping or bloating.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Potentially severe fluid shift and abdominal distension.
• Allergic reaction: Rash, pruritus, or anaphylaxis.
• Thromboembolic events: Rare clot formation.
• Ectopic pregnancy: Occurs if implantation is outside the uterus.
• Severe abdominal pain: May indicate ovarian torsion or rupture.

Before using Ovitrelle, clinicians should assess individual risk factors and follow recommended monitoring.

• Pregnancy testing: Confirm absence of existing pregnancy before administration.
• OHSS risk assessment: Evaluate ovarian response to stimulation protocols.
• Allergic history: Review for known hypersensitivity to hCG or excipients.
• Hormonal disorders: Consider underlying endocrine conditions that may affect response.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Ovitrelle may interact with other hormonal agents and medications that affect ovarian response.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Gonadotropin‑releasing hormone agonists: May amplify ovarian stimulation and increase OHSS risk.
• High‑dose estrogen estrogenic  ...

Moderate  ...   t   t t t