Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
OVIDREL vs BRAVELLE
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.
Bravelle (urofollitropin) is a purified preparation of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that stimulates ovarian follicular growth and maturation by binding to FSH receptors on granulosa cells, increasing c AMP production and promoting follicular development.
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)
Ovulation induction in anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
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.
For ovulation induction: 150 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly once daily for 5 days, starting on day 3 or 5 of menstrual cycle. For controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: 150-225 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly once daily for 5-7 days, then adjust based on response.
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 approximately 5-6 hours in healthy adults. Extended in renal impairment (up to 24 hours with Cr Cl <30 m L/min).
Primarily metabolized in the kidney and other tissues via proteolytic degradation into amino acids and peptides; not significantly metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Primarily metabolized in the liver via renal excretion; metabolic pathways not fully characterized.
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.
Primarily renal: 95% of administered dose excreted unchanged in urine within 24 hours. Biliary/fecal: 5% eliminated via feces.
Highly bound to plasma proteins, predominantly albumin, with approximately 80-85% bound.
Approximately 10-20% bound to plasma proteins (albumin and α-1 acid glycoprotein).
Approximately 6 L (0.1 L/kg in a 60 kg adult), indicating limited distribution primarily to the extracellular space.
Approximately 0.3-0.5 L/kg. Distributing primarily in extracellular fluid; does not extensively penetrate tissues.
Subcutaneous injection: approximately 80% absolute bioavailability. Not administered orally.
Subcutaneous: 90-95% bioavailable relative to intramuscular route. Oral: not clinically used due to enzymatic degradation.
No specific dose adjustment guidelines; use caution in renal impairment. GFR <30 m L/min: consider alternatives due to potential accumulation.
No specific guidelines exist for GFR-based dose modifications; use with caution in severe renal impairment (Cr Cl <30 m L/min) and monitor for adverse effects.
No specific dose adjustment guidelines; use caution in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).
No specific guidelines exist for Child-Pugh based modifications; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment and monitor for adverse effects.
Not indicated for pediatric use; no established pediatric dosing.
Not indicated for use in pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established.
Not indicated for geriatric use; no standard dosing established.
Not indicated for use in geriatric patients; safety and efficacy not established.
None (no FDA black box warning for OVIDREL).
Bravelle should only be used by physicians who are experienced in infertility treatment and can manage potential serious adverse events, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestations.
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.
Ovarian enlargement and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – can lead to serious complications; discontinue treatment if OHSS is suspected.,Multiple gestations – increased risk of multiple births.,Ovarian torsion – report sudden abdominal pain.,Pulmonary and vascular complications – thromboembolic events; discontinue if suspected.,Ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous abortion – higher rates in ART patients.,Neoplasms – risk of ovarian neoplasms with repeated use.
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 urofollitropin or any component,High levels of FSH indicating primary ovarian failure,Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction,Known or suspected pregnancy,Ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin,Abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin,Sex hormone-dependent tumors (e.g., breast, uterus, ovary)
No known significant food interactions. Grapefruit may affect metabolism of certain hormones; avoid excessive grapefruit intake.
No known food interactions. Maintain normal diet and hydration. Avoid alcohol as it may exacerbate side effects like nausea.
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.
Pregnancy Category X. Urofollitropin is contraindicated in pregnant women due to risk of fetal harm. First trimester: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestations. Second and third trimesters: No direct fetal effects reported, but risks associated with multiple gestation (preterm birth, low birth weight). Maternal OHSS may lead to thromboembolism.
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.
Urofollitropin is not indicated for use during lactation. No data on excretion in human milk, M/P ratio not established. Use during breastfeeding is contraindicated due to potential for adverse effects on infant hormone levels.
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 dose adjustment applicable as therapy is discontinued upon confirmed pregnancy. No pharmacokinetic data during pregnancy; drug is not used after conception due to contraindication.
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.
BRAVELLE (urofollitropin) is a purified FSH product used for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Administer subcutaneously; rotate injection sites. Monitor estradiol levels and follicle growth via ultrasound. Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS); consider using Gn RH antagonist protocols to reduce risk. Do not administer if patient has high baseline FSH levels (>15 IU/L) indicating poor ovarian reserve.
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.
Teach proper injection technique and site rotation (abdomen, thigh).,Report immediately if severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, or rapid weight gain occurs (OHSS signs).,Avoid intercourse until instructed to prevent multiple pregnancy.,Inform of multiple pregnancy risk (especially twins).,Store vials in refrigerator (2-8°C) and protect from light.
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 BRAVELLE, 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.. BRAVELLE is a Gonadotropin that works by Bravelle (urofollitropin) is a purified preparation of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that stimulates ovarian follicular growth and maturation by binding to FSH receptors on granulosa cells, increasing c AMP production and promoting follicular development.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between OVIDREL and BRAVELLE 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 BRAVELLE is: For ovulation induction: 150 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly once daily for 5 days, starting on day 3 or 5 of menstrual cycle. For controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: 150-225 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly once daily for 5-7 days, then adjust based on response.. 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 BRAVELLE 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. BRAVELLE is classified as Category C. Pregnancy Category X. Urofollitropin is contraindicated in pregnant women due to risk of fetal harm. First trimester: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestatio. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.