Ovitrelle is a prescription-only prefilled injection pen containing choriogonadotropin alfa (r-hCG) 250 micrograms — a recombinant form of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). In the context of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), HCG is used to stimulate the Leydig cells in the testes, maintaining endogenous testosterone production and testicular volume during treatment with exogenous testosterone. Ovitrelle is available as a convenient ready-to-use prefilled subcutaneous injection pen, typically administered every two to three weeks as directed by the prescribing clinician. It is a prescription-only medicine available only under specialist supervision as part of a structured TRT programme at PrimeLife.
How It Works
Choriogonadotropin alfa mimics the action of luteinising hormone (LH) at LH receptors on the Leydig cells within the testes. In normal physiology, LH from the pituitary gland stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. When exogenous testosterone is administered as part of TRT, the body’s own LH production is suppressed through negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, reducing the natural stimulation of the testes. This can lead to reduced testicular size and diminished endogenous testosterone production over time. Administering HCG alongside or in addition to TRT maintains LH receptor stimulation in the testes, preserving testicular function, volume, and in many cases, fertility potential during testosterone treatment.
Why HCG is Used in TRT Programmes
HCG adjunct therapy is particularly relevant for men of reproductive age who wish to preserve fertility during TRT, as exogenous testosterone alone suppresses spermatogenesis. HCG helps maintain the intratesticular testosterone environment required for sperm production. It is also used in patients experiencing significant testicular atrophy during TRT, for whom maintaining testicular volume is a clinical priority.
The Ovitrelle prefilled pen format simplifies self-administration, providing accurate dosing without the need for reconstitution from a lyophilised powder, which older HCG formulations required. The subcutaneous injection route is generally well tolerated by patients following appropriate training, and the single-use pen design reduces the risk of preparation errors or contamination associated with multi-step reconstitution processes.
Important Note
Ovitrelle is a prescription-only medicine and must only be used as directed by a qualified prescriber as part of a supervised TRT programme at PrimeLife. Common side effects include injection site reactions, headache, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Ovitrelle must not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to choriogonadotropin or any component of the formulation, or in those with sex hormone-dependent tumours. Storage requirements must be followed carefully: Ovitrelle must be refrigerated and protected from light until use. All used pens must be disposed of safely in an approved sharps bin.
