Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
OVIDREL vs CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN
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.
Chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) binds to the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) on the surface of gonadal cells, stimulating steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. In females, it triggers ovulation and luteinization; in males, it stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.
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)
FDA-approved: Induction of ovulation in infertile females (as part of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation),FDA-approved: Treatment of prepubertal cryptorchidism,FDA-approved: Treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males,Off-label: Weight loss (not recommended),Off-label: In vitro fertilization 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.
For hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 1000-2000 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times per week. For ovulation induction: 5000-10,000 IU intramuscularly as a single dose.
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.
Biphasic: initial half-life ~11 hours, terminal half-life ~23–30 hours. Single-dose half-life ~32 hours; repeated dosing may extend due to accumulation.
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 proteolytic degradation; undergoes renal excretion with a half-life of 24-36 hours.
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; intact h CG is excreted in urine. Negligible biliary/fecal elimination.
Highly bound to plasma proteins, predominantly albumin, with approximately 80-85% bound.
Approximately 80% bound; binds to albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with low affinity.
Approximately 6 L (0.1 L/kg in a 60 kg adult), indicating limited distribution primarily to the extracellular space.
0.3–0.5 L/kg; distributes into extracellular fluid, gonadal tissues, and poorly into fat.
Subcutaneous injection: approximately 80% absolute bioavailability. Not administered orally.
IM/SC: ~40% to 100% (mean ~78%) due to variable absorption; IV: 100% (not typical). Oral: negligible (<1% due to degradation).
No specific dose adjustment guidelines; use caution in renal impairment. GFR <30 m L/min: consider alternatives due to potential accumulation.
No specific dose adjustment guidelines available; use with caution in severe renal impairment (GFR <30 m L/min/1.73 m²).
No specific dose adjustment guidelines; use caution in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).
No specific dose adjustment guidelines available; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).
Not indicated for pediatric use; no established pediatric dosing.
Cryptorchidism: 500-1000 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times per week for 6 weeks. Delayed puberty: 500-1500 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times per week.
Not indicated for geriatric use; no standard dosing established.
No specific dose adjustments; monitor for fluid retention and cardiovascular effects.
None (no FDA black box warning for OVIDREL).
None. However, use in females requires careful monitoring to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be severe.
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 hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Risk of severe OHSS with ascites, pleural effusion, and thromboembolic events,Multiple pregnancy: Increased risk due to ovulation induction,Thromboembolic events: Increased risk, especially in patients with prior history,Ovarian enlargement: Monitor with ultrasound,Hormonal-dependent malignancies: Caution in patients with prior history
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
Pregnancy,Primary ovarian failure,Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction,Active thromboembolic disorder,Hormone-sensitive tumors (e.g., prostate, breast, ovarian),Hypersensitivity to h CG or any component
No known significant food interactions. Grapefruit may affect metabolism of certain hormones; avoid excessive grapefruit intake.
No known food interactions.
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.
Chorionic gonadotropin is a pregnancy hormone; exogenous use during first trimester may theoretically alter placental hormone balance, but no increased risk of congenital anomalies has been established. However, use during pregnancy is contraindicated except as part of assisted reproductive technology protocols where its role is physiological. No fetal risks documented from therapeutic use in second or third trimester.
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 orally bioavailable and is likely degraded in infant gastrointestinal tract. Excretion into breast milk is unknown; M/P ratio not established. However, due to its protein nature, transfer is expected to be minimal. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended unless clearly necessary; theoretical risk of hormonal effects on infant.
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 dose adjustments are recommended in pregnancy as the drug is typically administered only prior to conception or in early pregnancy for luteal phase support. The endogenous hormone levels in pregnancy far exceed exogenous doses. No dose modification required in later trimesters because use is contraindicated.
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.
Chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) is used to trigger ovulation in assisted reproduction and to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males. Monitor for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women; discontinue if severe. Do not use in women with primary ovarian failure. In males, may cause gynecomastia or fluid retention.
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.
Report abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or rapid weight gain (signs of OHSS).,In males, report breast tenderness or swelling, or fluid retention (swollen ankles/feet).,Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding unless directed by a specialist.,For fertility: timing of intercourse or IUI is critical; follow cycle monitoring closely.,In males: take as prescribed for testicular descent or hypogonadism; may require multiple doses.
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 CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, 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.. CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN is a Gonadotropin Hormone that works by Chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) binds to the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) on the surface of gonadal cells, stimulating steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. In females, it triggers ovulation and luteinization; in males, it stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between OVIDREL and CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes 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 CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN is: For hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 1000-2000 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times per week. For ovulation induction: 5000-10,000 IU intramuscularly as a single dose.. 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 CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN 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. CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN is classified as Category C. Chorionic gonadotropin is a pregnancy hormone; exogenous use during first trimester may theoretically alter placental hormone balance, but no increased risk of congenital anomalies. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.