Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
OVIDREL vs A.P.L.
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
OVIDREL (choriogonadotropin alfa) acts as a luteinizing hormone (LH) agonist, binding to the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor on ovarian theca and granulosa cells, triggering ovulation and luteinization by inducing resumption of oocyte meiosis and follicle rupture.
A. P. L. (Chorionic Gonadotropin) acts as a luteinizing hormone (LH) agonist, binding to LH receptors in the gonads to stimulate testosterone production in males and ovulation in females.
Induction of final follicular maturation and early luteinization in infertile women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for assisted reproductive technologies (ART),Induction of ovulation in anovulatory or oligo-ovulatory women who have been pretreated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Induction of ovulation in anovulatory infertile women,Treatment of hypogonadism and cryptorchidism in males,Off-label: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) protocols
250 mcg subcutaneously once daily for 7 days following recombinant FSH stimulation. Alternatively, a single 250 mcg subcutaneous dose is used to trigger final follicular maturation 24-48 hours after last gonadotropin dose.
500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 3000 mg/day in adults.
The terminal elimination half-life is approximately 30 hours (range 20-48 hours) in healthy adults. This supports a single-dose regimen for final follicular maturation in assisted reproductive technology.
Terminal elimination half-life: 2.5–3.5 hours (elimination phase); clinical context: requires repeated dosing for sustained effect.
Primarily metabolized in the kidney and other tissues via proteolytic degradation into amino acids and peptides; not significantly metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Primarily via glucuronidation (60%) and sulfation (35%) in the liver, with a minor portion (5%) via CYP2E1 oxidation to the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which is normally detoxified by glutathione.
Primarily renal, with approximately 10% of the administered dose excreted unchanged in urine within 24 hours. The remainder undergoes metabolic degradation in the kidneys and liver.
Renal: 10% unchanged; hepatic metabolism to inactive metabolites excreted in urine and feces (90% combined).
Highly bound to plasma proteins, predominantly albumin, with approximately 80-85% bound.
80–90% bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
Approximately 6 L (0.1 L/kg in a 60 kg adult), indicating limited distribution primarily to the extracellular space.
0.5–0.9 L/kg, indicating moderate tissue distribution (primarily gonads and liver).
Subcutaneous injection: approximately 80% absolute bioavailability. Not administered orally.
IM: 100%; Subcutaneous: ~80% (relative to IM); Oral: <5% (not clinically used).
No specific dose adjustment guidelines; use caution in renal impairment. GFR <30 m L/min: consider alternatives due to potential accumulation.
No specific adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. In severe renal impairment (Cr Cl < 10 m L/min), extend dosing interval to every 8 hours.
No specific dose adjustment guidelines; use caution in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).
Caution in severe hepatic impairment; consider dose reduction or extended interval. Avoid use in active liver disease.
Not indicated for pediatric use; no established pediatric dosing.
Weight-based: 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 5 doses per day or 75 mg/kg/day.
Not indicated for geriatric use; no standard dosing established.
No specific dose adjustment, but consider renal and hepatic function and avoid exceeding 3000 mg/day.
None (no FDA black box warning for OVIDREL).
No black box warning.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): can be severe with pulmonary and vascular complications; monitor closely and discontinue if OHSS develops.,Ovarian torsion: risk is increased in patients with enlarged ovaries; evaluate for abdominal pain.,Respiratory distress syndrome: associated with severe OHSS.,Multiple pregnancy: increased risk; counsel patients on potential outcomes.,Congenital malformations: incidence may increase following gonadotropin therapy; no causal link established.,Thromboembolic events: increased risk, especially in patients with obesity, thrombophilia, or prior history.
May cause fluid retention, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in females,Increased risk of thromboembolic events,Precocious puberty in males,Not for use in prepubertal children unless for cryptorchidism
Hypersensitivity to choriogonadotropin alfa or any component of the formulation,Pituitary or hypothalamic tumors,Ovarian enlargement or cyst due to reasons other than polycystic ovary syndrome,Gynecological hemorrhage of unknown etiology,Ovarian, uterine, or breast carcinoma,Active thromboembolic disorders or prior history of the same,Primary ovarian failure,Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
Hypersensitivity to chorionic gonadotropin or any component,Precocious puberty (in males),Prostatic carcinoma or other androgen-dependent neoplasms,Ovarian cyst or enlargement not due to polycystic ovary syndrome
No known significant food interactions. Grapefruit may affect metabolism of certain hormones; avoid excessive grapefruit intake.
No known food interactions. Avoid alcohol during treatment.
OVIDREL (choriogonadotropin alfa) is not indicated for use during pregnancy. Based on its mechanism as a luteinizing hormone analog, inadvertent exposure during early pregnancy may theoretically support corpus luteum function, but no increased risk of congenital anomalies has been reported in postmarketing surveillance. First trimester: No known teratogenic risk, but limited data. Second trimester: Not applicable as not used. Third trimester: Not applicable.
A. P. L. (chorionic gonadotropin) is not expected to increase the risk of congenital anomalies when used in early pregnancy. However, use in the first trimester is generally avoided unless indicated for specific conditions. Data are limited; no increased fetal risk reported in inadvertent exposures. Second and third trimester use is not associated with teratogenicity but may increase risk of multiple gestation (if used for ovulation induction).
No data available on the excretion of choriogonadotropin alfa into human breast milk. The M/P ratio is unknown. Given its large molecular weight (~30-40 k Da), transfer into milk is likely low, but caution is recommended. Use during lactation only if clearly needed.
Chorionic gonadotropin is not detected in breast milk following maternal administration. M/P ratio not established. Considered compatible with breastfeeding; no adverse effects on infant reported. Use with caution if high doses are administered.
OVIDREL is not indicated during pregnancy. No dose adjustment studies in pregnancy exist. If inadvertently administered during early pregnancy, the same dose (single SC injection of 250 mcg or 5000-10000 IU) is retained, but no therapeutic need. Pharmacokinetic changes due to pregnancy (e.g., increased volume of distribution) are not clinically relevant as the drug is a single-dose trigger.
No pharmacokinetic studies in pregnancy. Dose adjustments are not typically required during pregnancy for standard indications. For ovulation induction, dosing is based on follicular development. In first trimester for luteal support, standard doses are used. No evidence of altered clearance or need for dose changes due to pregnancy.
OVIDREL (choriogonadotropin alfa) is a recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) used to trigger final follicular maturation and ovulation in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Administer subcutaneously exactly 36 hours before oocyte retrieval; timing is critical. Monitor for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk, especially in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Do not use in patients with primary ovarian failure or uncontrolled thyroid/adrenal dysfunction.
A. P. L. (chorionic gonadotropin) is used to trigger ovulation in assisted reproductive technology. Administer when follicles are mature (≥18 mm). Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) increases with higher doses. Monitor for abdominal pain, distension, and weight gain. Use caution in patients with prior thromboembolism.
Inject OVIDREL exactly as prescribed, at the same time each day if multiple doses are needed.,Common side effects include injection site reactions, headache, and nausea.,Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, or weight gain (signs of OHSS).,OVIDREL may cause false positive pregnancy tests; consult your doctor if you get a positive result.
This medication is given as an injection exactly as prescribed to trigger ovulation.,A single dose is usually sufficient; follow your doctor's timing instructions closely.,Common side effects include headache, fatigue, and injection site reactions.,Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, or sudden weight gain (signs of OHSS).,Report symptoms of blood clots: leg pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about OVIDREL vs A.P.L., answered by our medical review team.
OVIDREL is a Gonadotropin that works by OVIDREL (choriogonadotropin alfa) acts as a luteinizing hormone (LH) agonist, binding to the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor on ovarian theca and granulosa cells, triggering ovulation and luteinization by inducing resumption of oocyte meiosis and follicle rupture.. A.P.L. is a Gonadotropin that works by A. P. L. (Chorionic Gonadotropin) acts as a luteinizing hormone (LH) agonist, binding to LH receptors in the gonads to stimulate testosterone production in males and ovulation in females.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between OVIDREL and A.P.L. depend on the specific clinical indication. These are both Gonadotropin agents and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of OVIDREL is: 250 mcg subcutaneously once daily for 7 days following recombinant FSH stimulation. Alternatively, a single 250 mcg subcutaneous dose is used to trigger final follicular maturation 24-48 hours after last gonadotropin dose.. The standard adult dose of A.P.L. is: 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 3000 mg/day in adults.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between OVIDREL and A.P.L. in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. OVIDREL is classified as Category C. OVIDREL (choriogonadotropin alfa) is not indicated for use during pregnancy. Based on its mechanism as a luteinizing hormone analog, inadvertent exposure during early pregnancy may. A.P.L. is classified as Category C. A.P.L. (chorionic gonadotropin) is not expected to increase the risk of congenital anomalies when used in early pregnancy. However, use in the first trimester is generally avoided . Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.