Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG injection

HCG injections (human chorionic gonadotropin) are a hormone that can increase a person’s chances of pregnancy, helps produce testosterone and sperm, and treats a condition that affects the testes called cryptorchidism. The brand of HCG varies based on your anatomy.

What is this medication?

HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HYOO muhn kor ee ON ik goe NAD oh troe pin) is a hormone. HCG is used for different reasons in men and women. HCG is used in combination with other fertility drugs to increase a woman’s chance of pregnancy. In men or adolescent boys, HCG helps the production of testosterone and sperm. HCG is also used in male children with cryptorchidism, a specific birth problem of the testes.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• cyst on the ovary
• heart disease
• migraine
• kidney disease
• ovarian cancer or other female-related cancer
• prostate cancer or other male-related cancer
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to HCG, other hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant (this medicine should not be used if you are already pregnant)
• breast feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is either injected into a muscle or under the skin. Talk to your care team to see which way is right for you. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as several months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

For men or boys: If you are giving your own injections, and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you forget until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule. Do not use double or extra doses. Call your doctor if you have any questions.

For women receiving fertility treatment: It is important not to miss a dose, as the success of your fertility treatment depends on proper use of this medication. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you are giving your own injections, do not use double or extra doses. Call your doctor if you have any questions.

Unit Measurement of HCG

HCG is measured in international units (IU) which is a unit of measurement based on the particular chemical.

Dosing hCG

Depending on the volume of bacteriostatic saline you are supplied with, you can using the following as a guide:

• 5ml Bacteriostatic Saline  +  5000iu HCG  =  100iu / 0.1ml
• 2.5ml Bacteriostatic Saline  +  5000iu HCG  =  200iu / 0.1ml
• 1.0ml Bacteriostatic Saline  +  5000iu HCG  =  500iu / 0.1ml

What may interact with this medication?

• herbal or dietary supplements, like blue cohosh, black cohosh, or chasteberry

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

For men or boys: Your doctor must closely monitor you. Call your doctor if you notice any unusual effects.

For women receiving fertility treatments: Your doctor must closely monitor you. Urine samples, blood tests, or ultrasound exams may be used to monitor treatment. If you think you have become pregnant, contact your doctor at once.

Talk with your doctor about limiting alcohol and decreasing tobacco use during your fertility treatments.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• breast enlargement
• enlargement of penis and testes
• nausea, vomiting
• pelvic pain or bloating
• sudden increase in height
• sudden weight gain
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• acne
• changes in emotions or mood
• facial hair growth
• headache
• pain, irritation or inflammation at the injection site
• tiredness
• upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You may not need to store this medicine at home. If you are taking this medicine at home, ask your pharmacist how to store the product you are using. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.