Help on HCG

Brand Name: HCG; Generic name: Chorionic Gonadotropin

Effective dosage: 3000i.u./week; Active half life (?) : 1-2 Days

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is meant to help the normal development of eggs in female’s ovary, and stimulate the discharge of eggs during ovulation. It is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women. It also increases the number of sperm in men. HCG is also taken by young boys when their testicles have not dropped down into the scrotum normally, which can be caused by a pituitary 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 injection under 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 to inject it. You must not self-inject this drug if you are not good at injecting. Do not use it in large amounts or for a longer duration than recommended.

Before taking a HCG injection, you need to inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medication or if you are suffering from 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. In case of undiagnosed uterine bleeding, heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, migraines and asthma, you must also inform your doctor. In this case, he may recommend you an adjusted dosage of HCG.

Some side effects of HCG include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, dizziness, or severe headache. 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, you must call your doctor and follow his advice.

What to discuss with your healthcare provider before using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or if you have:
•early puberty (also called precocious puberty); or
•a hormone-related cancer (such as prostate cancer).
Before receiving Human Chorionic Gonadotropin 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 Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

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

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check you on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Some brands of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin come in powder form with a separate liquid that you must mix together and draw into a syringe. Other brands are provided in single-dose prefilled syringes.

Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or the liquid has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription. Store unmixed Human Chorionic Gonadotropin at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat. After mixing the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, you must keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready for your injection. Throw away any mixed medicine that you have not used within 30 days after mixing.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin.

What happens if overdosed?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?

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

Possible Human Chorionic Gonadotropin side effects:

Stop using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you 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 a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first treatment cycle. OHSS can be a life-threatening condition. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms 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.
This medication can cause early puberty in young boys. Call your doctor if a boy using this medicine shows early signs of puberty, such as a deepened 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 Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
•The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.