Ovidrel is a recombinant hCG trigger shot used in fertility treatment to induce ovulation. Learn about its uses, dosage, cost, and what to expect in 2026.
Ovidrel (Choriogonadotropin Alfa) is a brand-name injectable fertility medication used to trigger ovulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatments like IVF, IUI, or ovulation induction. It's one of the most commonly prescribed trigger shots in fertility medicine and plays a critical role in timing ovulation precisely.
If your fertility doctor has mentioned Ovidrel — or you've seen it on your treatment protocol — here's everything you need to know about what it is, how it works, and what to expect when you use it.
Here are the key facts:
Ovidrel is made using recombinant DNA technology, which means the active ingredient is produced in a lab rather than extracted from human urine. This gives it a highly consistent composition compared to older hCG products like Pregnyl and Novarel.
Ovidrel has two FDA-approved uses:
In IVF cycles, your doctor stimulates your ovaries with follicle-stimulating hormones (like Gonal-F or Follistim) to produce multiple eggs. When your follicles reach the right size — typically 17-18mm or larger on ultrasound — your doctor prescribes Ovidrel as the "trigger shot." This tells your ovaries to complete the final maturation of the eggs, so they can be retrieved approximately 35-36 hours later.
For women who don't ovulate regularly (anovulation), Ovidrel can be used to induce ovulation after the ovaries have been stimulated with follicle-stimulating medications. This is commonly part of treatment for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Ovidrel is also commonly used off-label for:
Ovidrel comes in one formulation:
The standard dose is 250 mcg (one full prefilled syringe), given as a single injection. You use the entire syringe — there's no dose splitting or multi-day regimen.
Your fertility clinic will train you on self-injection technique before your cycle. Many clinics also provide instructional videos. The prefilled syringe makes Ovidrel one of the easier fertility injections to administer — no mixing or reconstitution required.
Your doctor will give you a very specific time to inject — often down to the exact hour. For IVF patients, this is typically 35-36 hours before your scheduled egg retrieval. For IUI or timed intercourse, the timing is based on when your doctor wants ovulation to occur. Follow your doctor's timing instructions exactly.
Ovidrel must be stored in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze it. Protect it from light. Once you take it out to warm up before injection, use it promptly.
Ovidrel is contraindicated in patients with:
Your fertility doctor will screen for these conditions before prescribing Ovidrel. Make sure to share your complete medical history, including any allergies to medications.
Ovidrel is a brand-name medication with no generic available, which means the price is relatively high:
Many insurance plans exclude injectable fertility medications from coverage. However, some states have fertility treatment mandates, and some employers offer supplemental fertility benefits through programs like Progyny or Carrot. Check with your insurer specifically about fertility medication coverage.
For a complete breakdown of savings options, see: How to Save Money on Ovidrel: Coupons, Discounts, and Patient Assistance.
Ovidrel is a well-established, widely used fertility medication that serves a critical function in IVF, IUI, and ovulation induction cycles. It's simple to administer (one prefilled syringe, one injection), has a predictable side effect profile, and gives your fertility team precise control over ovulation timing.
The main challenges are availability and cost. Because it's a brand-only specialty medication from a single manufacturer, it can sometimes be difficult to find in stock. And without insurance, the $235-$320 price tag adds to an already expensive treatment process.
If you're about to start a fertility cycle that includes Ovidrel, here's what to do now:
For more about how this medication works in your body, read: How Does Ovidrel Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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