Novarel

Generic name: Chorionic Gonadotropin (Human) [ kor-ee-ON-ik-goe-NAD-oh-troe-pin, HYU-man ]
Brand names: Novarel, Pregnyl
Drug class: Gonadotropins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2024.

Uses of Novarel:

• It is used to help women get pregnant.
• It is used to help the body make more testosterone in some people.
• It is used to treat delays in a male's normal growth pattern.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Novarel?

For all patients taking Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)):

• If you have an allergy to chorionic gonadotropin (human) or any other part of Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)).
• If you are allergic to Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)); any part of Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are a man and have prostate cancer.
• If you have ever had a cancer where hormones make it grow.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)) if you are pregnant.

Children:

• If a child is using Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)) and has started puberty.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Novarel?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)).
• Limit working out while undergoing ovarian stimulation. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may raise the chance of getting pregnant with more than one baby.
• Blood clots have happened with Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)). Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may raise the chance of very bad side effects like enlarged ovaries and ovarian cysts that burst. Rarely, these effects have been deadly. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may raise the chance of twisting of the ovaries (ovarian torsion) in women with some health problems. This can cause blood flow to the ovary to be cut off. Talk with the doctor.
• Some fluids used to mix Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)) have benzyl alcohol. Do not give a product that has benzyl alcohol in it to a newborn or infant. It may cause very bad and sometimes deadly side effects. Talk with the doctor to see which fluids have benzyl alcohol.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)), call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Novarel) best taken?

Use Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a muscle.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

For all patients taking Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)):

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Low mood (depression).
• Feeling irritable.
• Enlarged breasts.
• This medicine may cause you to swell or keep fluid in your body. Tell your doctor if you have swelling, weight gain, or trouble breathing.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a severe side effect that may happen in some women who use Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)). Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain or bloating; very upset stomach, throwing up, or diarrhea; a big weight gain; shortness of breath; or change in how much urine is passed.

Children:

• For children, signs of puberty. These are pimples, voice changes, sudden rise in height, or facial hair.

Related/similar drugs

testosterone, progesterone, clomiphene, Clomid, AndroGel, Pregnyl, Jatenzo, Xyosted, HCG, Menopur

What are some other side effects of Novarel?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Pain where the shot was given.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Restlessness.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Novarel?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• After mixing, store in a refrigerator. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how long Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)) may be used after mixing.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin (human)), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer