How to Inject Ovidrel

Ovidrel is a fertility drug that is designed to initiate ovulation in women who are having trouble conceiving.[1] It is typically given as an at-home injection subcutaneously (under the skin) in a different site each time. For example, you might inject Ovidrel near the belly button one time, then in the back fat of the upper arm the next time, and the fatty outer thigh area the time after that. Clean the injection site thoroughly, wash your hands, and prepare the syringe. Injection is easy, but make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and monitor your symptoms closely.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Taking the Proper Precautions

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    Get a prescription from a fertility specialist. If you think you need a prescription for Ovidrel, make sure you discuss this with a fertility specialist first. They may need to run some tests to confirm that this is a necessary next step for your path to conception.
    • With the supervision of your fertility specialist and a proper prescription, you can begin your Ovidrel treatments.
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    Get training from your doctor about how to perform the injection. Your doctor will give you explicit instructions on how to give yourself the injection. This training will prepare you and your partner for handling the injections at home. If possible, your doctor will give you the first injection and demonstrate the procedure for you.
    • If possible, your partner should also be present for training so that they can help you if you have trouble giving yourself the injection.
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    Ask for help if you need it. If you are uncomfortable about injecting yourself with the Ovidrel shot, it is possible to get the shot administered at your doctor’s office. You will likely have to pay for any fees associated with a visit to the doctor’s office. But this may be a better option for you if you feel unable to do the injection yourself. [2]
    • Keep in mind that it is quite safe to do these injections at home, so you may want to try pushing through your uncertainty and doing it yourself anyways. The first time is always the hardest, and it only gets easier each time.
    • Your partner may also be able to administer the Ovidrel shot, if they have been properly trained by the doctor.
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    Prepare yourself emotionally. Difficulty conceiving can be a very emotional and trying time for a person. Remember that you are not alone. Lean on your partner, your family, and your friends during this difficult time for support. Giving yourself injections can sometimes add to this emotional stress, so try to take precautions to maintain your mental health during the process.[3]
    • This includes seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist, if you feel like that might be beneficial to you.
    • Additionally, remember that Ovidrel can cause mood swings. So there is a possibility the injections will make you feel even more emotional.
    • Keep your expectations realistic. Ovidrel may not work immediately, it can take several months of injections and getting the rhythm right to conceive.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Preparing the Injection

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    Wash your hands. Remember to always wash your hands thoroughly before you begin the injection process. This will help decrease the risk of infection, especially at the injection site.[4]
    • Use an antibacterial hand-sanitizing soap and a clean, disposable paper towel to dry your hands.
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    Unwrap the syringe. Take the syringe with the Ovidrel injection out of the box it came in. You’ll need to unwrap the packaging and remove the cap from the needle end of the syringe.
    • Make sure the syringe is in the original sealed package. It is dangerous to use needles that are not sterilized or that have been used by others.
    • Make sure to check the expiration date on the box as well to ensure that the medication has not expired.
    • Read the writing on the syringe to be sure it is the correct medication and dosage.
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    Remove the air bubble. Once you unwrap the syringe, you’ll see a small air bubble on top of the liquid inside; this needs to be removed. You may need to gently tap the syringe until the air bubbles settle at the top. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up and push the plunger slowly and gently until the air bubble is completely gone.[5]
    • Be careful not to push too quickly or you may waste quite a bit of the liquid medication inside. You want to only expel one tiny drop that covers the tip of the needle.
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    Follow the instructions given to you by the doctor. Make sure that you follow any directions your doctor or fertility specialist gave you about administering the Ovidrel injection.[6]
    • You should also discuss your overall health and any preexisting conditions you may have with your doctor before administering the Ovidrel treatment.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Administering the Injection

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    Choose the injection site and clean it with alcohol. Decide which site you are going to use to inject the medication. You can use any area that has some fat underneath the skin, such as the area of your stomach near your belly button, the back area of your upper arm, or the outside of your thigh.[7]
    • If you decide to inject in the stomach area, then pick a spot that is about 2 in (5.1 cm) away from your belly button – on either side or below it. Sterilize the area with an alcohol swab and let it air dry.
    • Drying the injection site (or wiping off any excess alcohol) with a towel will re-contaminate the area and negate the sterilizing process you just completed.
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    Inject the needle into your skin. Sit or stand in a comfortable location and pinch an inch or so of your skin/fat in the now sterilized area. Stick the tip of the needle into your skin and slowly push down on the plunger until the entire dose is emptied out of the syringe.[8]
    • Make sure you stick the needle far enough into your skin (about 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) or so).
    • Gently remove the needle and use a Band-Aid (or gauze) if your skin is bleeding at the injection site.
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    Dispose of the syringe safely. Once you’ve finished injecting the Ovidrel, you need to dispose of the syringe in a safe manner. Put the cap and the syringe in a waste bin intended for hazardous/sharp objects. You could use an empty milk jug and tape the lid on after adding the syringe.[9]
    • Your doctor should be able to provide you with a small canister that is intended for disposal of sharp objects.
    • You can store the used syringes in this container until you finish the treatment cycle, then seal the container and put it in the appropriate trash bin. This will protect others from accidentally getting poked by the needle.
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    Contact your doctor if you forget your injection. Ovidrel is intended for use on specific days in your menstrual cycle. If you forget a dosage, it’s important that you contact your doctor and follow their advice.[10]
    • Do not try to administer the injection when you remember it without discussing with your doctor first.
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    Monitor your symptoms. After injecting the Ovidrel, make sure you monitor your symptoms to ensure that you don’t have a bad reaction to the drug. Reactions are rare, but you want to be able to notify your doctor immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary.[11]
    • Normal side effects include slight discomfort, swelling, or bruising at the injection site; mild nausea; or digestive issues.
    • If you have any of the following symptoms, then contact emergency services or go to an emergency room immediately: extreme abdominal pain, intense nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, or decreased urination.
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References

  1. ↑ https://sa1s3.patientpop.com/assets/docs/91068.pdf
  2. ↑ http://freedommedteach.com/eng/videos.html?play=ovidrel
  3. ↑ https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/infertility-and-mental-health/
  4. ↑ http://www.uicivf.org/uploads/ovidrel_printableinstructions.pdf
  5. ↑ https://www.fertilitydrugsonline.com/take-ovidrel-shot/
  6. ↑ https://www.mymandellspharmacy.com/medication-instructi/ovidrel-choriogonadotropin-alfa-for-injection/
  7. ↑ https://www.fertilitydrugsonline.com/take-ovidrel-shot/
  8. ↑ http://www.uwhealth.org/infertility/generations-fertility-care-injections-videos/41783
  9. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/Sharps/ucm263240.htm
  1. ↑ https://www.mymandellspharmacy.com/medication-instructi/ovidrel-choriogonadotropin-alfa-for-injection/
  2. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ovidrel-injectable.html

About This Article

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Co-authored by:
Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
This article was co-authored by Jurdy Dugdale, RN. Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989. This article has been viewed 41,635 times.
26 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: February 17, 2022
Views: 41,635
Categories: Injections

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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