MEDICINES TO TRIGGER OVULATION
Hormone injections given at the right time to mature your eggs and prepare you for egg collection.
How trigger injections support your IVF cycle
Trigger injections are used at a very specific stage of your IVF treatment. They mature your eggs and control the timing of ovulation, making sure your eggs are ready for collection. These injections are given at a precise time, usually around 36 hours before your planned egg retrieval, as directed by your Care Fertility team.
On this page, we’ve outlined some of the most commonly used trigger medications. Each section explains what the medicine does, how it’s taken, possible side effects, and when to contact us if you have concerns.
Your exact prescription will be tailored to you, and you’ll find your personalised schedule and instructions in the Care Fertility companion app, Salve. It’s vital to take these medicines at the exact time we give you. If you’re unsure or worried about anything, our team is only a call or message away.
Buserelin (Suprecur)
Active ingredient: Buserelin acetate
Available form: Multidose vial
Buserelin is a synthetic hormone that mimics natural processes to control ovulation. It’s used as a trigger injection to mature your eggs and help your clinic control the timing of egg collection.
Keep below 25°C in its carton. No need to refrigerate. Keep the vials in the outer carton to protect them from the light.
Inject under the skin of your abdomen at the exact time shown in your treatment companion app, Salve. This timing is crucial for your treatment.
Hot flushes, headaches, sweating, mood changes, or mild skin reactions at the injection site.
See the leaflet in your medication pack for the full list of possible side effects.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):
Contact your Care Fertility team immediately if you notice lower abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, rapid weight gain, or difficulty breathing. These may be symptoms of OHSS.
Ovitrelle
Active ingredient: Choriogonadotropin alfa
Available form: Prefilled pen
Ovitrelle is a synthetic version of a pregnancy hormone (hCG) that helps eggs mature. It’s used as a trigger injection to prepare your eggs for retrieval at the right time.
Keep in the fridge (28°C). Do not freeze.
Inject under the skin at the exact time shown in your treatment companion app, Salve. Timing is critical for this injection.
Mild injection site reactions (redness, pain, or swelling) or headaches.
See the leaflet in your medication pack for the full list of possible side effects.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):
Contact your Care Fertility team immediately if you notice lower abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, rapid weight gain, or difficulty breathing. These may be symptoms of OHSS.
Zivafert
Active ingredient: Chorionic gonadotrophin
Available form: Powder and solvent for injection
Zivafert contains a natural reproductive hormone that helps eggs mature. It’s given as a trigger injection to ensure your eggs are ready for collection at the right time.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat (keep below 25°C). Always store in original packaging. Do not refrigerate.
Inject under the skin at the exact time given in your treatment companion app, Salve. This injection must be given precisely when instructed.
Headaches, mood changes, mild abdominal pain, swelling, or injection site reactions.
See the leaflet in your medication pack for the full list of possible side effects.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):
Contact your Care Fertility team immediately if you notice lower abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, rapid weight gain, or difficulty breathing. These may be symptoms of OHSS.
Decapeptyl
Active ingredient: Triptorelin
Available form: Powder and solvent for injection
Decapeptyl is an LHRH analogue that mimics natural hormone activity to mature eggs. It’s used as a trigger injection to prepare your eggs for collection at the correct time.
Keep below 25°C in its carton. Do not refrigerate.
Inject under the skin at the exact time shown in your treatment companion app, Salve. This injection must be timed precisely.
Hot flushes, headaches, mood swings, mild joint pain, or injection site reactions.
See the leaflet in your medication pack for the full list of possible side effects.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):
Contact your Care Fertility team immediately if you notice lower abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, rapid weight gain, or difficulty breathing. These may be symptoms of OHSS.
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