Chorionic Gonadotropin (By injection)
kor-ee-ON-ok goe-nad-oh-TROE-pin
Treats a condition in which the testicles do not develop properly in boys, and treats low hormone levels in men. Also used to make a woman’s ovary release an egg (ovulate).
Drug classes
Diagnostic Agent, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Chorionic gonadotropin is a drug whose actions are almost the same as those of luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. It is a hormone also normally produced by the placenta in pregnancy. Chorionic gonadotropin has different uses for females and males.
In females, chorionic gonadotropin is used to help conception occur. It is usually given in combination with other drugs such as menotropins and urofollitropin. Many women being treated with these drugs usually have already tried clomiphene alone (e.g., Serophene) and have not been able to conceive yet. Chorionic gonadotropin is also used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs.
In males, LH and chorionic gonadotropin stimulate the testes to produce male hormones such as testosterone. Testosterone causes the enlargement of the penis and testes and the growth of pubic and underarm hair. It also increases the production of sperm.
Although chorionic gonadotropin has been prescribed to help some patients lose weight, it should never be used this way. When used improperly, chorionic gonadotropin can cause serious problems.
Chorionic gonadotropin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
This medicine comes as a powder that must be mixed with a liquid before you can use it. If you store this medicine at home, keep the dry powder at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. After you mix the powder with the liquid, keep the mixture in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
You can keep the mixtures of Pregnyl® and Novarel™ in the refrigerator for up to 60 days. You can keep the mixture of Profasi® in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), you have prostate cancer or similar kinds of cancer, or you are pregnant.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, migraine headaches, or asthma.
Talk to your doctor about the possibility that this medicine could cause you to get pregnant with twins, triplets, or multiple babies.
The medicine may cause a boy to start puberty too soon. Call your doctor if your child starts to show signs of puberty while he uses this medicine. Some signs are acne, voice changes, getting taller too fast, or starting to grow hair in the armpit or on the face.
This medicine contains benzyl alcohol. Tell your doctor if benzyl alcohol has ever made you sick.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, or coughing up blood
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
Pain in your calf
Severe nausea, vomiting, or pain in your pelvis
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Sudden weight gain or bloating
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Feeling nervous, restless, or sad
Pain where the shot is given
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Chorex, Chorionic Gonadotropin, Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Profasi
There may be other brand names for this medicine.