human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)
What is the most important information I should know about HCG?
HCG can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain or bloating, swelling, rapid weight gain, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe nausea and vomiting, decreased urination, pain or swelling in one leg, or sudden numbness on one side of the body.
What is HCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women. This medicine is not effective in women with primary ovarian failure.
HCG is used in men to treat hypogonadism, a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone.
HCG is also used in young boys whose testicles have not descended (dropped) into the scrotum as normally expected during growth. HCG is usually given for this condition in boys who are 4 to 9 years old.
HCG is not approved as an aid to weight loss and has not been proven to be more effective than reducing calories in the diet.
HCG may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using HCG?
You should not use HCG if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- early puberty (precocious puberty); or
- a hormone-related cancer (such as prostate cancer).
You also may not be able to use certain brands of HCG if you have:
- an uncontrolled disorder of your thyroid or adrenal gland;
- abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
- an ovarian cyst; or
- cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease;
- kidney disease;
- problems with your thyroid or adrenal gland;
- epilepsy;
- migraines; or
- asthma.
May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are already pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Fertility treatment may increase your chance of having multiple births (twins, triplets, etc). These are high-risk pregnancies both for the mother and the babies. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I use HCG?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
HCG is not for daily use. How often you use this medicine depends on the condition you are treating. You may need medical tests to help determine how long you should use HCG.
HCG is injected into a muscle or under the skin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) if needed.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using HCG.
Store unmixed HCG and diluent at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store mixed medicine in the refrigerator. Use mixed Novarel within 30 days. Use mixed Pregnyl within 60 days. Call your pharmacist if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it.
Storing a prefilled syringe (Ovidrel):
- Refrigerate and use until expiration date; or
- Store at room temperature and use within 30 days.
Carefully follow the mixing, storage, and expiration instructions that come with the brand of HCG you are using.
Throw away a prefilled syringe after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using HCG?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of HCG?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some women using this medicine develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially life-threatening condition. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of OHSS:
- severe stomach pain or pelvic pain;
- rapid weight gain, swelling around your waist, feeling short of breath;
- severe nausea and vomiting, diarrhea; or
- little or no urination.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fluid build-up around the lungs or stomach --rapid weight gain, stomach pain and bloating, pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, cough with foamy mucus, rapid heartbeats;
- signs of a blood clot --sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, chest pain, problems with vision or speech, pain or swelling in one leg; or
- early puberty in boys --enlarged testicles and penis, facial hair, a deepened voice.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, depression;
- feeling restless or irritable;
- swelling;
- breast tenderness or swelling; or
- pain where the medicine was injected.
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 other drugs will affect HCG?
Other drugs may affect HCG, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about human chorionic gonadotropin.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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