uses
What is chorionic gonadotropin used for?Chorionic gonadotropin is commonly used for the following conditions.Fertility problems in certain people assigned female at birthLow hormone levels caused by a pituitary problem in certain people assigned male at birthChorionic gonadotropin is also commonly used to help the testicles move into the scrotum in children whose testicles have not descended.Chorionic gonadotropin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does chorionic gonadotropin work (mechanism of action)?Chorionic gonadotropin, also called hCG, acts like certain natural hormones in your body. It works by signaling your body to make sex hormones that are important for development and reproduction.In males, hCG helps the testes make certain hormones that lead to facial hair, a deeper voice, and other traits of sexual maturity. It can also help the testicles descend into the scrotum.In females, hCG helps the eggs develop and leads to ovulation, which is when the ovary releases an egg. This can help people get pregnant.How is chorionic gonadotropin supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesA.P.L.NovarelPregnylDosage forms and strengths5,000 units per vial10,000 units per vialHow should I store chorionic gonadotropin?Before you prepare your dose, store chorionic gonadotropin at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.After you prepare your dose, store chorionic gonadotropin in the refrigerator, at temperatures between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze it. You must use or discard the medicine within a certain length of time after preparing it (usually 30 or 60 days). Follow the instructions that come with your chorionic gonadotropin product. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about storing your medicine.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a muscle
drug interactions
Does chorionic gonadotropin interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between chorionic gonadotropin and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect chorionic gonadotropin.Does chorionic gonadotropin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?There are no known interactions between chorionic gonadotropin and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of chorionic gonadotropin?The most common side effects of chorionic gonadotropin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.HeadacheRestlessness or irritabilityDepressionTirednessFluid retentionEarly puberty (in children being treated for undescended testicles)Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia) or breast tendernessPain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection siteThere may be other side effects of chorionic gonadotropin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of chorionic gonadotropin?While less common, the most serious side effects of chorionic gonadotropin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Chorionic gonadotropin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using chorionic gonadotropin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painOvarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Chorionic gonadotropin can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in people who have ovaries. This condition can be serious and causes the ovaries to become swollen and painful, and they may leak fluid. Using chorionic gonadotropin may also cause other problems with the ovaries, such as twisting, swelling, or cysts that burst and bleed. Stop using chorionic gonadotropin and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Stomach pain or swellingTrouble breathingNausea or vomitingRapid weight gainLess urine (pee) than usualVaginal bleedingPain in the lower back or pelvis that may be sharp and suddenFast breathing or heart rateBlood Clots. Chorionic gonadotropin may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Stop using chorionic gonadotropin and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Trouble breathingFeeling lightheaded or faintChest pain or pressureFast or abnormal heartbeatTrouble breathingPain in your back, jaw, throat, or armSweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizzinessSudden weakness on one side of your bodySudden and severe headacheSlurred speech or trouble understanding speechPain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or legVision lossBulging eyes
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much chorionic gonadotropin?If you or someone else has used too much chorionic gonadotropin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of chorionic gonadotropin?Chorionic gonadotropin is meant to be used only as instructed for your treatment. Use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses. If you miss a dose, call your health care provider right away to learn what to do.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use chorionic gonadotropin?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use chorionic gonadotropin.Chorionic gonadotropinA.P.L.NovarelPregnylAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific chorionic gonadotropin products they stock.Early Puberty. Chorionic gonadotropin can cause early puberty or make it worse. Children should not use chorionic gonadotropin if they already have precocious puberty, which is a condition where sexual development starts unusually early in childhood.Certain Cancers. You should not use chorionic gonadotropin if you have prostate cancer or any cancer that depends on hormones to grow. Using chorionic gonadotropin could make these cancers worse.What should I know about chorionic gonadotropin before using it?Do not use chorionic gonadotropin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share chorionic gonadotropin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.This medicine is injected into a muscle. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use chorionic gonadotropin. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.Keep chorionic gonadotropin out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.Attend all checkups and tests as directed. Chorionic gonadotropin can affect certain lab tests, especially those that measure hormones. If you need a test to check hormones, make sure your health care team knows you are using chorionic gonadotropin, so they can adjust the test results properly.What should I tell my health care provider before using chorionic gonadotropin?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if chorionic gonadotropin is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Heart problemsKidney problemsHigh blood pressureSeizure disordersMigraineAsthmaMultiple Births. Using chorionic gonadotropin to help you get pregnant raises the chance of becoming pregnant with more than one baby, especially twins. This can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Discuss and consider these risks with your health care provider before using chorionic gonadotropin.Pregnancy. Chorionic gonadotropin is commonly used when people are trying to get pregnant. But using it during pregnancy may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if chorionic gonadotropin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use chorionic gonadotropin while breastfeeding.
about
Chorionic gonadotropin is an injection used for fertility problems, low hormone levels, and undescended testicles. The most common side effects are irritability, tiredness, fluid retention, and swollen, tender breasts. Serious side effects are less common but may include blood clots and severe ovary problems.