What Is Novarel?

Novarel is a brand-name injectable form of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals and belongs to the gonadotropin drug class.

Novarel is FDA-approved for:

• Induction of ovulation in anovulatory infertile women who have been pretreated with human menotropins
• Prepubertal cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) not caused by anatomic obstruction
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in selected male patients

It is also widely used off-label as an IVF trigger shot, for luteal phase support in fertility treatment, and for male infertility and testosterone preservation.

How does Novarel work?

Novarel contains human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which mimics the body's natural luteinizing hormone (LH). It binds to the LH/hCG receptor on ovarian cells, stimulating late follicular maturation, triggering ovulation, and supporting corpus luteum development.

In males, hCG stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which promotes testicular descent in cases of cryptorchidism and supports spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

What doses are available for Novarel?

• 5,000 USP Units — Lyophilized powder for injection with 10 mL diluent
• 10,000 USP Units — Lyophilized powder for injection with 10 mL diluent

Novarel is administered by intramuscular (IM) injection only. The powder must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. Once reconstituted, the solution should be refrigerated and used within 30 days.

How hard is it to find Novarel in stock?

Novarel has a findability score of 35 out of 100, meaning it is frequently difficult to locate in stock. Since the FDA reclassified hCG as a biologic product in March 2020, compounding pharmacies have been restricted from producing it, significantly reducing overall supply. Brand-name Novarel and its alternatives like Pregnyl have experienced intermittent shortages, and availability can vary widely by region and pharmacy.

If your local pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate Novarel at pharmacies near you that currently have it available.

Who Can Prescribe Novarel?

Novarel is typically prescribed by specialists, including:

• Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialists — most commonly for IVF trigger shots and ovulation induction
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) — for fertility-related uses
• Urologists — for male hypogonadism and cryptorchidism
• Endocrinologists — for hormonal disorders
• Pediatric Endocrinologists — for cryptorchidism in children

Is Novarel a controlled substance?

Novarel is not a federally controlled substance. However, some states classify injectable hCG as a Schedule III controlled substance, so regulations may vary by state. Your pharmacist can advise on any state-specific restrictions.

Common Side Effects of Novarel

• Headache
• Irritability and restlessness
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Pain at the injection site
• Gynecomastia (breast development in males)
• Precocious puberty (in pediatric patients)

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), severe allergic reactions, thromboembolic events (blood clots), ovarian rupture, and sudden vision changes.

Alternative Medications to Novarel

• Pregnyl (Chorionic Gonadotropin) — Another brand of urinary-derived hCG manufactured by Organon. Same active ingredient and indications as Novarel.
• Ovidrel (Choriogonadotropin Alfa) — A recombinant (lab-made) form of hCG available as a pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous injection. More convenient but typically more expensive.
• Generic hCG (Chorionic Gonadotropin) — Generic versions of urinary-derived hCG available from manufacturers like Fresenius Kabi at potentially lower cost.

Drug Interactions with Novarel

• GnRH antagonists (e.g., Ganirelix) — Timing of administration must be carefully coordinated in fertility protocols
• Menotropins (e.g., Menopur) — Used in combination but requires careful coordination and monitoring
• Pregnancy tests — Novarel contains hCG, which is the hormone pregnancy tests detect, so it can cause false-positive pregnancy test results for up to 10–14 days after injection
• Androgens and anabolic steroids — May have additive androgenic effects when used together

No significant food interactions are known. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking.

Final Thoughts on Novarel

Novarel is a critical medication for fertility treatment and certain hormonal conditions, but ongoing supply challenges have made it difficult to find in stock since the FDA's 2020 reclassification of hCG as a biologic. With a findability score of just 35, patients may need to check multiple pharmacies or explore alternatives like Pregnyl, Ovidrel, or generic hCG.

Important: HCG has NOT been demonstrated to be effective for weight loss. The FDA warns that there is no substantial evidence it increases weight loss beyond caloric restriction alone.

If you're struggling to locate Novarel, Medfinder can help you find pharmacies near you that currently have it in stock. Ask your doctor about Ferring's HeartTomorrow or OneHeart programs for potential savings.