Description

Human chorionic gonadotropin HCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin

Generic Name: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable) (HYOO
man cor ee ON ik go NAD o TRO pin)
Brand Names: Ovidrel, Pregnyl

What is HCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that supports the
normal development of an egg in a woman’s ovary and stimulates the
release of the egg during ovulation.

HCG is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women, and
to increase sperm count in men. HCG is also used in young boys when
their testicles have not dropped down into the scrotum normally. This
can be caused by a pituitary gland disorder.

HCG may also be used for other purposes not listed.
Important information

HCG is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. If you
use HCG at home, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you
specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not
self-inject HCG if you do not fully understand how to give the
injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

HCG can place you at higher risk for a blood clot. Call your doctor at
once if you have any of these signs of a blood clot: pain, warmth,
redness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or leg; confusion, extreme
dizziness, or severe headache.

Some women using this medicine have developed a condition called
ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first
treatment cycle. OHSS can be a life-threatening condition. Call your
doctor right away if you have any symptoms of OHSS: severe pelvic
pain, swelling of the hands or legs, stomach pain and swelling,
shortness of breath, weight gain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or if
you are urinating less than normal.

HCG can cause early puberty in young boys. Call your doctor if a boy
using this medicine shows early signs of puberty, such as a deepened
voice, pubic hair growth, and increased acne or sweating.

Using HCG can increase your chances of having a multiple pregnancies
(twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc). A multiple pregnancies is a
high-risk pregnancy for the mother and for the babies. Follow your
doctor’s instructions about any special care you may need during your
pregnancy.

Although HCG can help you become pregnant, it should not be used
during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant
during treatment.

HCG has no known effect on appetite, hunger, fat loss, or fat
distribution. It is not approved by the FDA as a weight loss
medication or for the treatment of obesity.
Before using HCG

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to HCG, or if you have:

early puberty (also called precocious puberty);

hormone-related cancer (such as prostate cancer);

cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, or uterus;

certain types of ovarian cysts;

uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction;

cancer or tumor of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain;

vaginal bleeding without a known cause; or

if you are currently pregnant.

Before receiving HCG tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs
or if you have:

thyroid or adrenal gland disorder;

an ovarian cyst;

unexplained vaginal bleeding;

heart disease;

kidney disease;

epilepsy;

migraines; or

asthma.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely use HCG.

Although HCG can help you become pregnant, you should not use HCG if
you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant
during treatment. It is not known whether HCG passes into breast milk.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby before using HCG.
How should I use HCG?

Use HCG exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.

HCG is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. Your
doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this
injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do
not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to
give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a
puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one
and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of
children and pets.

To be sure HCG is helping your condition, your doctor will need to
check you on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Some brands of HCG come in powder form with a separate liquid that you
must mix together and draw into a syringe. Other brands are provided
in single-dose prefilled syringes.
Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or the liquid has
any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription. Store
unmixed HCG at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat.
After mixing the HCG, you must keep it in the refrigerator until you
are ready for your injection. Throw away any mixed medicine that you
have not used within 30 days after mixing.
See also:

HCG dosage information (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of HCG.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much
of this medicine. An overdose of HCG is not expected to produce
life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food,
beverages, or activity while you are using HCG.
HCG side effects
Stop using HCG and get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling
of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs of a blood
clot: pain, warmth, redness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or leg;
confusion, extreme dizziness, or severe headache.
Some women using this medicine have developed a condition called
ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first
treatment cycle. OHSS can be a life-threatening condition. Call your
doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of OHSS:

severe pelvic pain;

swelling of the hands or legs;

stomach pain and swelling;

shortness of breath;

weight gain;

diarrhea;

nausea or vomiting; or

urinating less than normal.

HCG can cause early puberty in young boys. Call your doctor if a boy
using this medicine shows early signs of puberty, such as a deepened
voice, pubic hair growth, and increased acne or sweating.

Less serious side effects from HCG may include:

headache;

feeling restless or irritable;

mild swelling or water weight gain;

depression;

feeling tired;

breast tenderness or swelling; or

pain, swelling, or irritation where the injection is given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may
report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also:

HCG side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect HCG?

There may be other drugs that can interact with HCG. Tell your doctor
about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication
without telling your doctor.
See also:

HCG drug interactions (in more detail)

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
children, never share your medicines with others and use HCG only for
the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information
displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances