choriogonadotropin alfa - injection, Ovidrel

BRAND NAME(S): Ovidrel

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat certain fertility problems in women. It is the hormone (hCG) that causes the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation). This medication is usually used in combination with another hormone (FSH) that helps cause healthy ovaries to produce eggs.This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).

HOW TO USE: This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.Learn all the preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your health care professional.After injecting the mixing liquid into the vial, gently roll the vial to mix the drug. Do not shake the liquid. Doing so may make this medicine less effective. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication. Before injecting the dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol.Inject this medication under the skin, usually the day after your last dose of follicle stimulating medicine (e.g., menotropins) or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will do lab/medical tests (e.g., estrogen blood levels, ultrasound) to decide when it is time to use this medication.Be sure to keep all medical appointments so your doctor can closely monitor your response and determine the time you should use this medication.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, mild abdominal pain/swelling, headache, and pain/bruising/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual vaginal bleeding.This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during treatment or after treatment is finished. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop the following very serious side effects: severe pain/swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, sudden shortness of breath, sudden/rapid weight gain, decrease in the amount of urine.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these very unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest/jaw/left arm pain, sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, sudden vision changes (e.g., double vision, loss of vision), pain/redness/swelling in the legs, sudden difficulty breathing.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: unusual vaginal bleeding, problems of the uterus, certain type of fertility problem (primary ovarian failure), thyroid problem, adrenal gland problem, cancer of the reproductive organs (breast, uterus, ovary), tumor in the brain (e.g., pituitary tumor), unexplained ovarian cyst/enlargement.Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, blood clots, stroke, heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), lung problems (e.g., asthma).Successful treatment with this medication (pregnancy) may result in multiple births. Discuss the risks and benefits of having such a pregnancy with your doctor.If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant after treatment with this drug, stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately. This drug must not be used during pregnancy because it may cause harm to an unborn baby.It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: gonadorelin.This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., hormone levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., ultrasound, hormone levels) may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store unopened vials at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Once mixed, the vial must be used immediately. Discard any unused solution. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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