Ovidrel Trigger Shot: 5 Essential Facts on Timing + Cost
Quick Summary
- Ovidrel (sold as Ovitrelle in Europe) is a recombinant HCG trigger shot that finishes maturing your eggs before retrieval.
- It is given about 34 to 36 hours before egg retrieval — timing to the minute matters.
- Side effects are usually mild, but it can cause a false positive on a home pregnancy test for up to 10 to 14 days.
- Ovitrelle from Fast IVF is the same 250 mcg pre-filled syringe at a lower price than US retail.
The Ovidrel trigger shot is the last injection of your stimulation phase, and it is the one with the strictest timing. It tells your eggs to finish maturing so they can be collected at retrieval. This guide explains what Ovidrel is, when to take it, side effects, how it differs from other HCG triggers, and what it costs.
What Is Ovidrel (Ovitrelle)?
Contents
Ovidrel contains choriogonadotropin alfa, a lab-made version of the hormone HCG. It mimics the natural LH surge that triggers ovulation. Each pre-filled syringe holds 250 mcg, which is roughly equal to 6,500 IU of urinary HCG.
Ovidrel is the US name. In Europe the identical product is sold as Ovitrelle 250 mcg, same manufacturer, same syringe. If your order arrives labeled Ovitrelle, you have the right medication.
When Do You Take the Ovidrel Trigger Shot?
Your clinic sets the exact time, usually 34 to 36 hours before your scheduled egg retrieval. If retrieval is at 9:00 AM, your trigger might be 9:00 PM two nights before. The window is tight: too early and eggs may not be fully mature, too late and you risk ovulating before the procedure.
The IVF trigger shot sits at the end of stimulation, right after your last FSH dose and just before retrieval in the IVF cycle steps. Set two alarms. Many clinics ask you to text them a photo of the empty syringe as confirmation.
What Are the Side Effects of Ovidrel?
Most patients feel very little. The common effects include:
- Mild pain or redness at the injection site
- Bloating and pelvic fullness (your ovaries are at their largest right now)
- Headache or tiredness
- Mild nausea
The one to watch is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Call your clinic right away if you have severe belly pain, rapid weight gain, trouble breathing, or very little urine. Patients at high OHSS risk are sometimes switched to a Lupron trigger instead. Cleveland Clinic has a clear HCG injection safety overview worth reading before trigger night.
Ovidrel vs Other HCG Triggers: What Is the Difference?
All HCG triggers do the same job. The differences are in source, dose, and how they are given:
- Ovidrel / Ovitrelle. Recombinant, 250 mcg, pre-filled syringe, subcutaneous. No mixing.
- Choriomon, Pregnyl, Novarel. Urinary HCG, usually 5,000 or 10,000 IU, powder you mix before injecting. Choriomon 5000 IU is the European option Fast IVF carries.
Clinics choose based on protocol, cost, and patient preference, there is no single best trigger. Both are stocked in the Ovidrel and Ovitrelle category and the HCG category on the Fast IVF shop.
How Much Does Ovidrel Cost?
In the US, a single Ovidrel syringe without insurance is often quoted between $150 and $300, and some patients need two if a cycle is canceled and restarted. European-sourced Ovitrelle is the same product at a lower price, and it ships in cool packs since it needs refrigeration. Our guide on which IVF medications need refrigeration covers how to store it once it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ovidrel the same as Ovitrelle?
Yes. Ovidrel is the US brand name and Ovitrelle is the European brand name for the same 250 mcg choriogonadotropin alfa syringe made by Merck.
Will Ovidrel cause a false positive pregnancy test?
Yes. Because it is HCG, a home test can read positive for 10 to 14 days after the shot. Wait for your clinic’s blood test for a real result.
Does Ovidrel need to be refrigerated?
Yes, store it in the fridge at 2 to 8°C. The leaflet allows a short room-temperature window, but keep it cold unless your clinic says otherwise.
What happens if I take the trigger shot late?
Call your clinic immediately. Even a 30-minute delay can shift retrieval timing. Do not skip it and do not double up.
Can I order Ovidrel through Fast IVF?
Yes. With a valid prescription, Fast IVF ships Ovitrelle 250 mcg worldwide in temperature-controlled packaging, usually within 3 to 5 business days.
Ready to add your trigger shot to your medication order? Request a free quote and get exact pricing for Ovitrelle and the rest of your protocol.