What Is Novarel?

Novarel is a brand-name prescription injectable form of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men.

Manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Novarel belongs to a class of drugs called gonadotropins. It contains hCG derived from human urine and is available as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be mixed with a diluent before injection. Novarel comes in two strengths: 5,000 USP Units and 10,000 USP Units per vial.

Novarel is not a controlled substance at the federal level, though some states classify injectable hCG as a Schedule III substance.

What Is Novarel Used For?

Novarel is FDA-approved for three indications:

1. Ovulation Induction in Women

Novarel is most commonly known as a "trigger shot" in fertility treatment. After a woman's ovarian follicles have been stimulated with medications like menotropins (Menopur), a single injection of Novarel triggers the final maturation and release of eggs. This is a critical step in both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.

2. Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Males

In men whose bodies don't produce enough hormones to stimulate the testes, Novarel can be used to boost testosterone production and support sperm production. It's also used off-label to help preserve fertility in men on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), since external testosterone can shut down the body's natural sperm production.

3. Prepubertal Cryptorchidism

In boys with undescended testes that aren't caused by a physical obstruction, Novarel can stimulate testicular descent. This use is managed by pediatric endocrinologists or urologists.

Off-Label Uses

Novarel is also used off-label for:

• IVF trigger shot (the most common real-world use)
• Luteal phase support during fertility treatment
• Male fertility preservation alongside TRT

Important: Novarel is not approved or effective for weight loss. The FDA has issued a boxed warning stating that hCG has not been shown to aid in weight loss beyond what results from caloric restriction alone.

How Is Novarel Taken?

Novarel is administered by intramuscular (IM) injection only — typically into the upper outer area of the buttock. Here's what the process looks like:

1. Reconstitution: The freeze-dried powder is mixed with the included bacteriostatic water diluent
2. Injection: The solution is drawn into a syringe and injected intramuscularly
3. Storage: Once mixed, Novarel should be refrigerated and used within 30 days

Your doctor or clinic will either administer the injection or teach you (or a partner) how to self-inject at home. The dosage depends on your condition:

• Ovulation trigger: Typically 5,000 to 10,000 USP Units as a single injection
• Male hypogonadism: 500 to 4,000 USP Units 2-3 times per week
• Cryptorchidism: 4,000 USP Units 3 times per week for 3 weeks, or other protocols as directed

For more on how Novarel works in your body, see our guide on Novarel's mechanism of action.

Who Should Not Take Novarel?

Novarel is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use Novarel if you have:

• A known allergy to hCG or any component of the product
• Precocious puberty
• Prostate cancer or other androgen-dependent tumors
• Primary ovarian failure (the ovaries have stopped working, so hCG stimulation won't help)
• A confirmed pregnancy (Novarel may cause fetal harm)

Use caution if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, asthma, migraines, kidney problems, or seizure disorders. Tell your doctor about all medications you're taking — Novarel can interact with certain drugs and will cause false-positive pregnancy tests since hCG is the hormone that pregnancy tests detect.

For a full list of side effects, read our Novarel side effects guide.

How Much Does Novarel Cost?

Novarel's cash price ranges from $150 to $500+ per vial, depending on the strength and pharmacy. Generic hCG is available and may cost $150 to $300 per 10,000 IU vial with a discount card.

Insurance coverage varies widely. Some plans cover hCG for fertility indications but require prior authorization. Fertility drug coverage depends on your state — not all states mandate it. For non-fertility uses like cryptorchidism or hypogonadism, coverage may fall under medical benefits.

To reduce costs, explore:

• Discount cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and others can lower your out-of-pocket price
• Ferring's savings programs — the HeartTomorrow and OneHeart programs offer discounted pricing for eligible cash-paying fertility patients
• Patient assistance programs — NeedyMeds and RxAssist can help qualifying patients

For more details, see our full guide on how to save money on Novarel.

Final Thoughts

Novarel is a well-established hCG injection used primarily in fertility treatment, male hormone therapy, and pediatric endocrinology. It's effective, but it can be hard to find due to ongoing supply challenges.

If you've been prescribed Novarel, plan ahead — use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability, and talk to your doctor about alternatives like Pregnyl or Ovidrel if you can't find it in stock.