Chorionic Gonadotropin (Injection)

Chorionic Gonadotropin (kore-ee-ON-ik goe-NAD-oh-troe-pin)

Treats a condition where the testes (testicles) do not develop properly in boys. Also treats low hormone levels in men. Used as a part of infertility treatment to make a woman's ovary release an egg (ovulation). Sometimes called HCG.

Brand Name(s):

Novarel, Chorex, Profasi, Pregnyl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), or if you have prostate cancer or similar kinds of cancer. A boy who has started puberty too soon (generally before age 9) should not use this medicine. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor, pharmacist, or treatment clinic for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• This medicine comes as a powder that must be mixed with a special liquid before you can use it. If you store this medicine at home, keep the dry powder at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. After mixing the powder with the liquid, keep the mixture in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• You can keep the mixtures of Pregnyl® and Novarel™ in the refrigerator for up to 60 days. You can keep the mixture of Profasi® in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy (seizures), migraine headaches, or asthma.
• For women: This medicine may cause more than one egg at a time to be released from your ovary. This means you may become pregnant with twins, triplets, or multiple babies. Talk with your doctor about this possibility before you start using this medicine.
• The medicine may cause a boy to start puberty too soon. Call your doctor if your child starts to show signs of puberty while using this medicine. Some signs are acne, voice changes, getting taller too fast, or starting to grow hair in the armpit or on the face.
• Profasi® contains benzyl alcohol. Tell your doctor if you have ever used benzyl alcohol before and it made you sick.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, or coughing up blood
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Pain in your lower leg (calf)
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or pain in your pelvis (in women)
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Sudden weight gain or bloating (in women)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Feeling nervous, restless, or sad
• Headache
• Pain where the shot is given
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.