When Novarel Isn't Available, Here Are Your Options

Getting told your pharmacy can't fill your Novarel prescription is stressful — especially when your fertility treatment timeline is ticking. But the good news is that Novarel isn't the only hCG product available. There are several alternatives that work the same way and may be easier to find.

In this guide, we'll explain what Novarel does, how it works, and walk you through real alternatives your doctor can prescribe if Novarel is out of stock.

What Is Novarel?

Novarel is a brand-name injectable medication made by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Its active ingredient is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone naturally produced during pregnancy.

Novarel is FDA-approved for:

• Triggering ovulation in women undergoing fertility treatment
• Treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males
• Treating prepubertal cryptorchidism (undescended testes) in boys

In fertility clinics, Novarel is most commonly used as a "trigger shot" — given at a precise time to trigger the release of mature eggs during an IVF or IUI cycle. For more details, see our complete guide on what Novarel is and how it's used.

How Does Novarel Work?

hCG mimics a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). In women, LH is responsible for triggering ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the ovary. By injecting hCG at the right time, doctors can precisely control when ovulation happens, which is critical for the success of fertility treatments.

In men, hCG stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. This makes it useful for treating low testosterone while preserving fertility — unlike testosterone replacement therapy, which can actually reduce sperm production.

For a deeper explanation, read our article on how Novarel works.

Alternative #1: Pregnyl

Pregnyl is the most direct alternative to Novarel. Like Novarel, it contains urinary-derived human chorionic gonadotropin and is administered by intramuscular injection.

Key facts about Pregnyl:

• Manufacturer: Organon (formerly Merck)
• Active ingredient: Chorionic Gonadotropin (Human)
• Dosage forms: 10,000 USP Units per vial
• How it's given: Intramuscular injection after reconstitution with diluent
• Approximate cost: $150–$400 per vial without insurance

Pregnyl and Novarel are essentially interchangeable — same active ingredient, same route of administration, same indications. If your doctor prescribes Novarel and it's unavailable, Pregnyl is typically the first substitute considered.

Alternative #2: Ovidrel

Ovidrel is different from Novarel and Pregnyl in an important way: it's made using recombinant DNA technology rather than being derived from human urine. This means it's a lab-made version of hCG.

Key facts about Ovidrel:

• Manufacturer: EMD Serono
• Active ingredient: Choriogonadotropin Alfa (recombinant hCG)
• Dosage form: Pre-filled syringe containing 250 mcg (approximately equivalent to 6,500 IU of urinary-derived hCG)
• How it's given: Subcutaneous injection — no mixing required
• Approximate cost: $250–$500+ per pre-filled syringe

Advantages of Ovidrel:

• Comes ready to use — no reconstitution needed
• Subcutaneous injection (smaller needle, can be given in the abdomen) instead of intramuscular
• Consistent dosing due to recombinant manufacturing

Disadvantages:

• Typically more expensive than Novarel or Pregnyl
• Only available in one strength (250 mcg)
• Not approved for male hypogonadism or cryptorchidism

Alternative #3: Generic hCG

Generic versions of chorionic gonadotropin for injection are available from manufacturers like Fresenius Kabi. These contain the same active ingredient as Novarel and Pregnyl.

Key facts about generic hCG:

• Active ingredient: Chorionic Gonadotropin (Human)
• Dosage forms: 10,000 USP Units per vial
• How it's given: Intramuscular injection after reconstitution
• Approximate cost: $150–$300 per vial with discount cards

Generic hCG is often the most affordable option and may be easier to find than brand-name products. Ask your doctor to write the prescription for generic chorionic gonadotropin rather than specifying Novarel by name.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you can't find Novarel, here's what to do:

1. Call your doctor's office right away. Don't wait — especially if you're in the middle of a treatment cycle. Timing matters.
2. Ask about switching to Pregnyl, Ovidrel, or generic hCG. Your doctor can quickly write a new prescription or call it in to a pharmacy that has stock.
3. Check availability before switching. Use Medfinder to see which alternatives are in stock near you.
4. Understand the differences. If switching to Ovidrel, ask your doctor about the dosing difference and injection technique (subcutaneous vs. intramuscular).

What About Compounded hCG?

Before 2020, many patients got hCG from compounding pharmacies at a much lower cost. The FDA's reclassification of hCG as a biologic product largely ended this practice. Some 503B compounding facilities received temporary waivers, but options are limited.

If you're considering compounded hCG, make sure the pharmacy is FDA-registered and operating under a valid exemption. Your doctor or fertility clinic can help verify this.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find Novarel is frustrating, but you have real alternatives. Pregnyl is the closest substitute, Ovidrel offers convenience, and generic hCG may save you money. The important thing is to act quickly and communicate with your doctor so your treatment stays on track.

Need help finding any of these medications? Search Medfinder to check real-time availability at pharmacies near you. And for more information on saving money, check out our guide on how to save money on Novarel.