Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)
Generic name: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable) [ HUE-man-KORE-ee-ON-ik-goe-NAD-oh-TRO-pin ]
Brand names: Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, A.P.L., Profasi,
... show all 10 brands
Dosage forms: intramuscular powder for injection (10000 units; 5000 units); subcutaneous solution (recombinant 250 mcg/0.5 mL)
Drug class:Gonadotropins
What is HCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women. human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) 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.
Warnings
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.
Before taking this medicine
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;
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