Review Drug

Brand names Gonadotraphon LH, Pregnyl, Profasi

Used in the following combined preparations None

GENERAL INFORMATION

Produced by the placenta, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) is a hormone that stimulates the ovaries to produce two other hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, that are essential to the conception and early growth of the fetus. The hormone is extracted from the urine of pregnant women and has several medical purposes.

Its principal value is in the treatment of female infertility. Given by injection, usually with another hormone, HCG encourages the ovaries to release an egg (known as ovulation) so that it can be fertilized. Ovulation usually occurs 18 hours after injection, and intercourse should follow within 48 hours.
The likelihood of multiple births increases because several eggs may be released by the ovaries at once.

Chorionic gonadotrophin is also in rare cases given to young boys to treat undescended testes.

The drug is occasionally given to men to improve sperm production; treatment may take as long as six to nine months.

INFORMATION FOR USERS

This drug is given only under medical supervision and is not for self – administration.

How taken

Injection.

Frequency and timing of doses

1-3 x per week.

Dosage range

Dosage varies from person to person, and may need adjustment during treatment.

Onset of effect

1-8 days (female infertility); 6-9 months (male infertility).

Duration of action

2-3 days.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Not applicable. This drug is not kept in the home.

Missed dose

Arrange to receive the missed dose as soon as possible. Delay of more than 24 hours may reduce the chance of conception.

Stopping the drug

Complete the course of treatment as directed. Stopping the drug prematurely will reduce the chance of conception.

Exceeding the dose

The drug is always injected under close medical supervision. Overdose is unlikely.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS

When taken for fertility problems, the more common adverse effects of HCG are rarely severe and tend to diminish with time.

Women who take large doses of the drug may experience abdominal pain or swelling due to overstimulation of the ovaries.

INTERACTIONS

None.

QUICK REFERENCE

Drug group Drug for infertility

Overdose danger rating Low

Dependence rating Low

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic No

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have a long-term kidney problem,

You have asthma.

You have had epileptic fits.

You suffer from migraine.

You have a heart disorder.

You have had a previous allergic reaction to this drug.

You have prostate trouble.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Not prescribed.

Breast feeding

Not prescribed.

Infants and children

HCG is safely prescribed to treat undescended testes in boys.

Over 60

Not usually required.

Driving and hazardous work

Avoid such activities until you have learned how HCG affects you because the drug can cause tiredness.

Alcohol

Avoid excessive amounts. Alcohol increases tiredness and, if taken in excess, may reduce fertility.

PROLONGED USE

No special problems.

Monitoring

Women taking HCG to improve fertility usually have regular pelvic examinations and checks on cervical mucus to confirm that ovulation is taking place. Men are given regular sperm counts.