What is this medicine?
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.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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
For boys:
- acne (pimples)
- breast enlargement
- enlargement of penis and testes
- development of facial or pubic hair
- a sudden increase in height
For women on fertility treatments:
- indigestion
- nausea, vomiting
- passing small amounts of urine
- shortness of breath
- stomach area or pelvic pain or bloating
- swelling
- rapid weight gain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- changes in emotions or mood
- headache
- pain, irritation or inflammation at the injection site
- tiredness
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.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is either injected in a muscle, like the thigh or buttocks, or it may be given under the skin instead. Ask your doctor which way is right for you. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
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 healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for male 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.
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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.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are taking any of the following medications:
- 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.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Precocious puberty.
- Carcinoma of prostate or other androgen-dependent neoplasms.
- Pregnancy.
- Known hypersensitivity to hCG or any ingredient in formulation.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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 tess, 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.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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 (convulsions)
- 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
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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