What is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
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 in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to HCG, or if
you have:
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose
adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
-
a thyroid or adrenal gland disorder;
-
an ovarian cyst;
-
premature puberty;
-
cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate,
hypothalamus, or pituitary gland;
-
undiagnosed uterine bleeding;
-
heart disease;
-
kidney disease;
-
epilepsy;
-
migraines; or
-
asthma.
Although HCG can help you become pregnant, this medication is in the
FDA pregnancy category X. This means that using the medication once you are pregnant can cause
birth defects in the baby.
Do not use this medication 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. Do not use HCG without telling your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
Use this medication 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 this medication 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 the powder form of HCG at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat.
After mixing the powder with the liquid you must keep the mixture in the refrigerator. If you
are using the
Pregnyl
brand of HCG, throw away any mixed medicine that you have
not used within 60 days after mixing. If you are using the
Novarel
brand of HCG,
throw away any mixed medicine that you have not used within 30 days after mixing.
Store
Ovidrel
prefilled syringes in the refrigerator. You may also store
Ovidrel at room temperature protected from light, but you must use it within 30 days.
Carefully follow the mixing, storage, and expiration instructions that come
with the brand of HCG you are using.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have
questions about how long your mixed medicine can be stored and at what temperature.
What happens if I miss a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of HCG.
Where can I get more information about human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
Your pharmacist has information about human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
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.
This medication 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 may include:
-
headache;
-
feeling restless or irritable;
-
mild swelling or water weight gain;
-
depression;
-
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. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. If
you use this medicine at home, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on
how and where to inject this medicine. 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.
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, and 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 this medicine can increase your chances of having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets,
quadruplets, etc). A multiple pregnancy 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, this medication is in the FDA pregnancy
category X. This means that using the medication once you are pregnant can cause birth defects in the
baby.
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor right
away if you become pregnant during treatment.
What should I avoid while taking human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while
you are using HCG.
What other drugs will affect human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)?
