What is the purpose of the ovitrelle in a fiv treatment?

Ovitrelle is a drug that contains recombinant hCG used in assisted reproduction to stimulate ovulation and thus favor pregnancy in the treatments of artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Below you have an index with all the points that we will discuss in this article.

Index

What is the ovitrelle for in an IVF treatment?

• 1. Composition
• 2. Instructions for use
• 3. Indications and contraindications
• 4. Risks and adverse effects
• 5. Ovitrelle and pregnancy test
• 6. Questions from users
• 6.1. Is it normal to give ovitrelle after the transfer of the embryos?
• 6.2. Does the ovitrelle advance the rule?
• 6.3. Does alcohol consumption negatively affect the effect of ovitrelle?
• 6.4. What is the price of the ovitrelle ?, does it go into social security?
• 6.5. Should it be kept in a refrigerator or at room temperature?

Composition

The active principle of ovitrelle is choriogonadotropin alfa, also called recombinant hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The qualifier "recombinant" indicates that it is not purified from human substances, but is manufactured in the laboratory by genetic engineering techniques. Therefore, its origin is artificial.

Ovitrelle injection

In addition to its active ingredient, choriogonadotropin alfa 250 micrograms (?g) per 0.5 ml, we can find mannitol (27.3 mg), L-methionine (0.1 mg) and poloxamer 188 (0.05 mg) as excipient.

There are 2 formats for this drug:

• Ovitrelle powder and solvent for solution for injection 250 ?g. It consists of a container with 2 vials of powder and 2 vials of solvent.
• Ovitrelle pre-filled syringe 250 ?g / 0.5 ml, equivalent to 6,500 IU approximately. It is presented as a container with 1 pre-filled syringe of injectable solution.

Instructions for use

The ovitrelle promotes the final maturation of the ovule and ovulation of it approximately between 36 and 48 hours after its administration. Therefore, insemination will be scheduled or in the case of IVF, follicular puncture, about 34 hours after injecting the ovitrelle. It is essential to respect the hours of injection that the doctor has marked, since otherwise, it could interfere negatively in the result of the reproductive treatment.

The administration of ovitrelle is subcutaneously, that is, it is injected under the skin. The pre-filled syringes are for single use and should only be applied if the solution has been completely diluted and no particles in suspension are observed.

In the case of powder ovitrelle, it will be necessary to dilute it completely before its injection. Each vial of ovitrelle is for single and immediate use after the first opening and reconstitution. The reconstituted solution should not be administered if it contains particles or is not clear. If it presents a milky appearance it may indicate that the dilution has not been complete and therefore the medication may not be effective.

Its application is simple: the abdominal area is slightly pinched and the needle is injected onto the pinched skin. The plunger is tightened so that the drug comes out until its complete introduction.

Manage yourself ovitrelle

Although it is easy and usually does not cause problems, it is common for the medical team of the clinic to administer the first dose to teach the patient how to use it. Subsequently, the patient will apply the injection at home. It can also be a family member who helps you introduce the medication.

It is important to read the medication leaflet completely before preparing or administering the medication and consulting any questions with the medical team.

Indications and contraindications

The ovitrelle can only be obtained by prescription. It is indicated in the following situations:

• Women subjected to the controlled stimulation of ovulation to carry out assisted reproduction techniques, such as in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination.
• Women with anovulation or oligovulation, that is, they are not able to ovulate or produce very few ovules.

In some patients, the use of this drug is not recommended because of the risk that it may entail for the patient. Some situations in which the ovitrelle is contraindicated are:

• Allergy to the active substance or its excipients.
• Tumors in ovaries, uterus or breast As well as tumors in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
• Vaginal bleeding without a known cause
• Ovarian cysts not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Active thromboembolic problems
• Pregnant women and lactating women.

In addition, although it is not a contraindication, it is not recommended to use ovitelle in situations in which an effective response is not expected. Some examples of these situations are: primary ovarian failure, post-menopausal women, malformations of the sexual organs incompatible with pregnancy or fibroid tumors of the uterus incompatible with pregnancy.

Risks and adverse effects

With the administration of ovitrelle certain side effects can occur. The most common are:

• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as vomiting or nausea.
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Local reactions by the application of the injection.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) mild or moderate.

Although they are less frequent, there are situations in which the use of ovitrelle can cause more serious effects such as psychiatric disorders, breast pain, allergic reactions, rashes, severe OHSS, etc.

Ovitrelle and pregnancy test

When the embryo implants in the maternal womb, it initiates the release of the hormone beta-hCG, known as the pregnancy hormone because it is the one detected by pregnancy tests.

When an assisted reproduction treatment is applied in which ovitrelle (hCG) is used, it is important to carry out the pregnancy test at least 15 days after the transfer to avoid false positive results.

It may happen that in the mother's organism there are remains of ovitrelle that give rise to a positive result of the pregnancy test. This would be considered a false positive, because we can not confirm that the hCG detected in blood comes from the medication that the mother has injected or it is the hCG released by the implanted embryo.

Therefore, it is essential to allow time for the pregnancy test, giving the body time to eliminate hCG hormone remains administered before the puncture.

Questions from users

Is it normal to give ovitrelle after the transfer of the embryos?

Although ovitrelle is especially indicated to favor ovulation and therefore is administered just before artificial insemination or ovarian puncture, some studies show certain advantages of administering this drug after embryo transfer in IVF cycles.

In any case, it is something experimental that does not have significant results yet.

Does the ovitrelle advance the rule?

The ovitrelle is used to promote the final maturation of the ovules and ovulation, but it does not have to advance the descent of the menstruation. Approximately two weeks after ovulation caused by ovitrelle, the rule will be lowered, except that pregnancy has occurred, in which case, there will be no menstruation.

Does alcohol consumption negatively affect the effect of ovitrelle?

No, alcohol does not have to prevent the ovitrelle from exercising its function. However, alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged when looking for pregnancy, either naturally or through fertility treatment.

What is the price of the ovitrelle ?, does it go into social security?

The usual cost of the ovitrelle is around 56 euros approximately. If you do reproductive treatment in Social Security, the cost of the medication is fully covered.

Should it be kept in a refrigerator or at room temperature?

According to the recommendations, the ovitrelle is not necessary to keep it in a refrigerator. It can be maintained for a maximum of one month at room temperature, provided that it does not exceed 25 ° C. After a month, it is preferable to keep the ovitrelle in a refrigerator (between 2 and 8ºC) to preserve its qualities optimally.