How long does it take HCG to drop when levels are low?

[HopefulWM]

I'm ectopic with the following hcg levels:
-7/18 213
-7/20 298
-7/21 251
-7/22 222
-7/23 287 at 1:00 p.m. and 261 at 5:30 p.m.
-7/24 GIVEN METHOTREXATE
-7/27 258
-7/30 245
-8/2 219
-8/6 195

Is it true that when you have low hcg, the levels tend to drop slower? I'm not responding to the standard 15% after day 7, but my levels are decreasing.
And, how long does the medicine last in your system? Does it look like I will need an additional shot to decrease it? Or, with time, will it continue to drop?
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

[joendaz]

A related discussion, hcg was started.

[Jen Cole]

When I found out about my miscarriage I was at 185, the next morning I was 140. A month later I was at 30.  I had to have a d and c done.

[Forum-M.D.-SP]

The single dose protocol calls for a second dose of methotrexate to be given 7 days after the first dose if there has not been a 15% decline from day 4's HCG level to day 7's HCG level.

Your beta levels indicate without question that you have a non-viable pregnancy. Whether or not it is ectopic is unclear, but the greatest risk to you is if it is an ectopic.

Your choices are to either treat as an ectopic with methotrexate, or do a D&C to see if the pregnancy although abnormal is in the uterus and then decide on the next step, or to do a comination D&C and laparoscopy and if an ectopic is found treat it surgically.  

Since you have already started on the single dose methotrexate course of treatment, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you follow up with your provider. If you and your provider have chosen single dose methotrexate treatment and the beta-HCG has failed to decline by 15% from day 4 until day 7, you either should have received a second methotrexate dose one week after the first, or decided to go to surgery. You must follow up IMMEDIATELY. If this is an ectopic, it has been rumbling along now for several weeks and is at risk of rupturing, which can be a life-threatening situation.

[Debbie@38]

The medicine stays in your system for 2 months, because you need to use birth control and not get pregnant for 2 months because of birth defects.

A second dose of methotrexate is administered on day 7 if there is less than a 10% decline between days 4 and 7.

Hope this helps.

[kellym]

On 7/19 my numbers were 268. I miscarried the next day. 7 days later tested 2. Hope your levels drop quickly.

[HopefulWM]

Also, is it normal to have consistent vaginal bleeding as heavy as a period. It hasn't stopped since I've been diagnosed. Going on 4 weeks and no end in sight!