hCG + leuprolide

hCG + leuprolide, commonly referred to as a 'dual trigger,' is a combination treatment strategy used in assisted reproductive technology (ART), specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. This is not a single pharmaceutical product but rather the concurrent administration of two separate medications: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and leuprolide acetate (a GnRH agonist). The combination is used to trigger final oocyte (egg) maturation before egg retrieval in IVF cycles using GnRH antagonist protocols. The dual trigger typically consists of leuprolide acetate combined with recombinant hCG (rhCG) or lower doses of urinary hCG, administered subcutaneously. The biological targets are the gonadotropin receptors in the ovaries; hCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) to induce final egg maturation, while leuprolide stimulates the pituitary to release endogenous LH and FSH. This combination strategy is used to improve oocyte maturation and embryo quality while reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) compared to hCG alone.

Brand names

LupronPregnylNovarelOvidrel

Other names

dual triggerGnRHa plus hCGleuprolide acetate + human chorionic gonadotropin