Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone preparation used to treat infertility or infertility in women. This drug is available in injectable form.
Naturally, the hCG hormone will be produced by the placenta early in pregnancy to keep the corpus luteum producing progesterone. The hormone progesterone is needed in early pregnancy to maintain the lining of the uterus.
In contrast to its function during pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone preparations are used to trigger egg maturation and ovulation, or as a fertility drug .
This drug will also trigger the testicles to produce the hormone testosterone, so it can be used to treat hypogonadism and stimulate the descent of the testicles into the testicles in boys who experience cryptorchidism .
Trademarks for human chorionic gonadotropin: Ovidrel, Pregnyl
What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
| Category | Hormone |
| class | Prescription drug |
| Benefit | Used in the treatment of infertility in women, increase sperm count and testosterone in men, and treat cryptorchidism in boys |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) for pregnant and lactating women |
Category X: Studies in animals and humans have demonstrated an abnormality to the fetus or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant.
It is not yet known whether Human chorionic gonadotropin can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before using human chorionic gonadotropin, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Human chorionic gonadotropin should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have precocious puberty , migraines, thyroid disease , asthma, seizures , adrenal gland disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, brain tumor , or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease , a blood clotting disorder, heart disease , or lung disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even though it is used to treat infertility, hCG should not be used by pregnant women, because it can increase the risk of congenital defects in the fetus.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction , overdose, or serious side effects after using human chorionic gonadotropin.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections will be given under the skin (subcutaneous/SC) or into the muscle (intramuscular/IM). The dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) varies for each patient, depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and the patient's response to the drug.
In general, the following is the distribution of HCG doses based on the purpose of treatment:
-
Purpose: Treat infertility in women
Adults: 5,000–10,000 units once daily. Follow-up dose is 5,000 units 1–3 times daily, every 9 days. This drug can be used after the patient has had menotropin treatment.
-
Goal: Increase the number of sperm and testosterone in men
Adults: 500-1000 units, 2-3 times a week for 3 weeks.
-
Goal: Treat cryptorchidism in boys
Children 4–9 years: 4,000 units, 3 times a week for 3 weeks, or 5,000 units, every 2 days, 4 injections.
How to Use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Properly
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is only available as an injection. Follow the instructions and recommendations given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin.
An injection of hCG will be given under the skin (subcutaneous/SC) or into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Be sure to check with your doctor regularly while using human chorionic gonadotropin so that your doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.
Interaction of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin with Other Drugs
The interaction effect that can occur if hCG is used with other drugs is the decrease in the effect of hCG when used with ganirelix.
In addition, the use of human chorionic gonadotropin can also interfere with the results of LH ( lutenizing hormone ) or FSH ( follicle-stimulating hormone) tests.
To prevent interaction effects, always tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements or herbal products.
Side Effects and Dangers of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
The following are some of the side effects that can occur after using human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG):
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, swollen abdomen
- Pain, swelling, bruising, or irritation at the injection site
- Bleeding from the vagina outside the menstrual cycle
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away. Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction occurs or more serious side effects appear, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Some complaints that can indicate the occurrence of this condition are:
- Swelling in the lower abdomen and hips
- Very severe and persistent nausea and vomiting
- Sudden drastic weight gain
- The amount of urine that comes out is very small
- Chest pain , sudden severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech
In addition, the use of hCG can also increase the risk of early puberty in boys.