Fertility Drugs- Luveris and Ovidrel
Luveris
Luveris
is genetically engineered pure luteinizing hormone (LH).
LH is normally produced by the pituitary gland in response
to stimulation by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH).
Some
LH is required for follicular development. Luveris may
be added to stimulation cycles in an attempt to improve
egg and embryo quality. LH also initiates ovulation
through a "surge" in its levels" once
the follicles are mature.
Luveris can be used in place of hCG to initiate ovulation
and in women who have severe deficiencies of FSH and
LH. It is administered by subcutaneous injection.
Ovidrel
Fertility drugs such as Pergonal, Profasi, Pregnyl,
Metrodin, Repronex, and Humegon are "human derived"
meaning they come from sources such as human urine or
placental tissue.
Over
the last several years there has been a shift to genetically
engineered 100% pure infertility products, which are
manufactured by cell cultures. These products do not
contain the impurities that are inherent in all human
products and most can be administered by subcutaneous
injection instead of intramuscular.
The
first recombinant products in the infertility category
were Gonal-F and Follistim. These two products are pure
FSH derived from cell cultures. They work well for ART
stimulations, however, they are more expensive.
Ovidrel
is a genetically pure form of human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG).
When the follicles are mature, the body releases a surge
of LH to cause ovulation. hCG stimulates ovulation in
the same manner as LH. It is administered by injection
36 hours prior to egg retrieval (ART cycles) or an intrauterine
insemination.
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