Brand Name: HCG
Generic name: Chorionic Gonadotropin

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is meant tohelp the normal development of eggs in female’s ovary, and stimulatethe discharge of eggs during ovulation. It is used to cause ovulationand to treat infertility in women. It also increases the number ofsperm in men. HCG is also taken by young boys when their testicles havenot dropped down into the scrotum normally, which can be caused by apituitary gland disorder. It can also be used for other purposes,besides formal prescription, such as post-anabolic usage.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is taken in the form of an injectionunder your skin or into a muscle. If you take this injection at home,your doctor or pharmacist will give instructions as to how and where toinject it. You must not self-inject this drug if you are not good atinjecting. Do not use it in large amounts or for a longer duration thanrecommended.

Before taking a HCG injection, you need to inform your doctor if youare allergic to any medication or if you are suffering from a thyroidor adrenal gland disorder, an ovarian cyst, premature puberty, canceror a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, hypothalamus, orpituitary gland. In case of undiagnosed uterine bleeding, heartdisease, kidney disease, epilepsy, migraines and asthma, you must alsoinform your doctor. In this case, he may recommend you an adjusteddosage of HCG.

Some side effects of HCG include hives, difficulty breathing,swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, dizziness, or severeheadache. Some side effects may include signs of a blood clot, pain,warmth, redness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or leg, confusion,extreme dizziness, or severe headache. In any of these situations, youmust call your doctor and follow his advice.

What to discuss with your healthcare provider before using HCG?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to HCG, or if you have:

• early puberty (also called precocious puberty); or
• a hormone-related cancer (such as prostate cancer).

Before receiving HCG tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have:

• a thyroid or adrenal gland disorder;
• an ovarian cyst;
• premature puberty;
• cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland;
• undiagnosed uterine bleeding;
• heart disease;
• kidney disease;
• epilepsy;
• migraines; or
• asthma.
  

How to use and inject HCG?

Usethis medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it inlarger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions onyour prescription label.

HCG is given as an injection underthe skin or into a muscle. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcareprovider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to injectyour medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do notfully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of usedneedles and syringes.

Use each disposable needle only onetime. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask yourpharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep thiscontainer out of the reach of children and pets.

To be surethis medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need tocheck you on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Somebrands of HCG come in powder form with a separate liquid that you mustmix together and draw into a syringe. Other brands are provided insingle-dose prefilled syringes.

Do not use the medicationif it has changed colors or the liquid has any particles in it. Callyour doctor for a new prescription. Store unmixed HCG at roomtemperature away from light, moisture, and heat. After mixing the HCG,you must keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready for yourinjection. Throw away any mixed medicine that you have not used within30 days after mixing.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of HCG.

What happens if overdosed?

Seekemergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of thismedicine. An overdose of HCG is not expected to producelife-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using HCG?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using HCG.

Possible HCG side effects:

Stopusing HCG and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signsof an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of yourface, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once ifyou have any of these signs of a blood clot: pain, warmth, redness,numbness, or tingling in your arm or leg; confusion, extreme dizziness,or severe headache.

Some women using this medicine have developed acondition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especiallyafter the first treatment cycle. OHSS can be a life-threateningcondition. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the followingsymptoms of OHSS:

• severe pelvic pain;
• swelling of the hands or legs;
• stomach pain and swelling;
• shortness of breath;
• weight gain;
• diarrhea;
• nausea or vomiting; or
• urinating less than normal.

Thismedication can cause early puberty in young boys. Call your doctor if aboy using this medicine shows early signs of puberty, such as adeepened voice, pubic hair growth, and increased acne or sweating.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• feeling restless or irritable;
• mild swelling or water weight gain;
• depression;
• breast tenderness or swelling; or
• pain, swelling, or irritation where the injection is given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect HCG?

Theremay be other drugs that can interact with HCG. Tell your doctor aboutall the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. Thisincludes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed byother doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling yourdoctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about HCG.

• Remember,keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, nevershare your medicines with others, and use this medication only for theindication prescribed.
• The information contained hereinis not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Ifyou have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with yourdoctor, nurse or pharmacist.