Ovitrel

The drug Ovitrelle belongs to the pharmacological group of sex hormones and their synthetic analogues. ATC code G03GA08, manufacturer - Merck Serono (Italy).

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Indications Ovitrel

Ovitrelle is intended for the treatment of infertility in women due to ovarian hypofunction or problems with natural ovulation. The drug is used for in vitro fertilization and is also used to prepare the body for in vitro fertilization (IVF) - for the purpose of final maturation of follicles after follicle-stimulating therapy.

Release form

Release form: lyophilized powder for preparation of injection solution in ampoules or vials (complete with water for injection), ready-made solution in syringes (0.25 and 0.5 ml).

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Pharmacodynamics

The gonadotropic effect of Ovitrelle - initiation of ovulation - is provided by the recombinant hormone chorionic gonadotropin α, which is an analogue of endogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), synthesized by the placenta during pregnancy and possessing high luteinizing activity.

By binding to luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors on the cytoplasmic membranes of glycoproteins surrounding ovarian follicles and the basal membranes of theca cells, alpha-choriogonadotropin induces the onset of reduction division of the egg and ovulation (release of the egg from the follicle). In addition, the granulosa cells of the follicle begin to form the corpus luteum of the ovary, which produces large amounts of progesterone.

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Pharmacokinetics

After the drug is administered subcutaneously, alpha-choriogonadotropin is absorbed into the extracellular fluid and enters the bloodstream, bioavailability does not exceed 40%. The half-life of Ovitel is about 30 hours.

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Dosing and administration

Ovitrelle is used only in specialized medical institutions by appropriately qualified physicians.

Ovitrelle is administered by subcutaneous injection (0.25 mg) according to a specific regimen that corresponds to the intended purpose. The use of this drug involves the preliminary administration of hormonal drugs based on menopausal gonadotropin or follicle-stimulating hormone.

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Use Ovitrel during pregnancy

Ovitrelle is not used during pregnancy.

Contraindications

Ovitrelle is contraindicated for use in the following cases:

• tumor formations of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus;
• hypertrophy and cystic disease of the ovaries;
• fibrous hyperplasia in the uterus;
• malignant epithelial tumors (carcinomas) of the ovaries, uterus or mammary glands;
• uterine bleeding;
• vascular pathologies (thrombosis, embolism).

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Side effects Ovitrel

The use of Ovitrelle may be accompanied by side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, decreased blood pressure, mastalgia (pain in the mammary glands), decreased urine production (oliguria), pain and a feeling of heaviness in the abdominal cavity, thromboembolism, skin rashes, Quincke's edema, sleep and mood disorders.

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Overdose

Ovitrelle may cause ovarian hyperstimulation - an increase in the size of the ovaries with the risk of torsion and rupture.

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Interactions with other drugs

Ovitrelle does not interfere with other medications. According to the manufacturer, a pregnancy test may be falsely positive for a week after using this drug.

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Storage conditions

In sealed packages, the drug should be stored at +15-25°C; an unopened bottle of powder – at a temperature of +2-8°C for a maximum of 30 days; the drug in an unpacked syringe cannot be stored.

Shelf life

Shelf life: 24 months.