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Indications & Uses
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is used in women to induce ovulation when infertility is caused by anovulation or by impaired follicle-ripening. It is also used to prepare the follicles for puncture in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation programs (ART), and for luteal phase support. Another use is in threatened and habitual abortion. In men, Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is used for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (some cases of idiopathic dysspermias have also shown a positive response to gonadotropins). It is used for delayed puberty linked to insufficient gonadotropic pituitary function, and for cryptorchidism that is not due to anatomical obstruction. It is also used to treat oligospermia.
Pharmacology
Highly Purified Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin has LH activity. LH is needed for the normal growth and maturation of female and male gametes, and for the production of gonadal steroids.
In women, Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is given in place of the natural mid-cycle LH surge. It brings on the final phase of follicular maturation, which leads to ovulation. It is also given in place of natural LH during the luteal phase.
In men, Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is given to stimulate the Leydig cells so that they produce testosterone.
Pharmacokinetic properties: after a single injection, plasma levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin reach their maximum at about six hours. Around 80 percent of the dose is metabolized, mainly in the kidneys. After an intramuscular (IM) injection, the apparent elimination half-life is about 2 days. With the recommended dose regimens and this half-life, the medicine does not accumulate.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
After the solvent is added to the freeze-dried substance, the reconstituted Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin solution should be given slowly by intramuscular injection.
In women, for ovulation induction and preparation of follicles for puncture, one injection of 5000 to 10000 IU Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin is usually given to complete treatment with an FSH-containing preparation. For luteal phase support, two repeat injections of 2500 to 5000 IU are given. Each may be given within nine days following ovulation or embryo transfer (for example on day 3, 6 and 9 after ovulation induction). For threatened and habitual abortion, 5000 IU is given as a deep intramuscular injection twice weekly from the time of diagnosis (all before the 7th week of gestation).
In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, the dose is 2500 to 5000 IU Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin, two times per week. If the main complaint is sterility, additional FSH-containing doses (50 IU FSH) are to be given, either daily or two to three times a week. This treatment should continue for at least three months before any improvement in spermatogenesis can be expected. Testosterone replacement therapy should be suspended during this treatment. Once the improvement is achieved, Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin alone may in some cases maintain it.
Side Effects
Allergic reactions have occasionally been reported with the use of urinary gonadotrophin preparations. Most of these are local reactions, such as pain and rash at the injection site, and generalized reactions such as rash and fever. In the female, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is an unwanted effect. In the male, water and sodium retention is occasionally seen after high dosages. This is regarded as a result of excessive androgen production, and treatment with Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin leads to increased androgen production. Therefore, patients with latent or overt cardiac failure, renal dysfunction, hypertension, epilepsy or migraine (or a history of these conditions) should be kept under close medical supervision. Aggravation or recurrence may occasionally be induced because of the increased androgen production. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin should be used cautiously in prepubertal boys, to avoid premature epiphyseal closure or precocious sexual development. Skeletal maturation should be monitored regularly.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
In pregnancies that occur after ovulation is induced with gonadotropic preparations, the risk of a multiple birth is higher. Unwanted ovarian hyperstimulation: in patients treated for infertility due to anovulation or impaired follicular ripening, giving an FSH-containing preparation beforehand may lead to unwanted ovarian hyperstimulation. So an ultrasound assessment of follicular development and estrogen level tests should be done before FSH treatment and at regular intervals during it. Estrogen levels can rise very quickly, for example more than a daily doubling for two or three consecutive days, and may reach excessively high values. If this unwanted ovarian hyperstimulation occurs (that is, when it is not part of a treatment preparing for IVF/ET or GIFT/ZIFT), the FSH-containing preparation should be stopped immediately. In that case Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin must not be given, because an LH-active gonadotrophin at this stage may cause the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome as well as multiple ovulations. This warning matters particularly for patients with polycystic ovarian disease. Mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome shows as gastro-intestinal problems (pain, nausea, diarrhoea), painful breasts, and mild to moderate enlargement of the ovaries and ovarian cysts. In rare cases the syndrome is severe and may be life-threatening. It is marked by large ovarian cysts (prone to rupture), ascites, often hydrothorax and occasionally
Contraindications
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin should not be used in known or suspected androgen-dependent tumours, such as prostatic carcinoma or breast carcinoma in the male.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is Pregnancy Category X. Studies in animals or in human beings have shown foetal abnormalities, or there is evidence of foetal risk from human experience, or both. The risk of using the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit, so it is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.
Use in lactation: it must not be used during lactation.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Pediatric Use: Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) can cause the body to produce more androgens, and in children treated for cryptorchidism this may bring on precocious puberty. If signs of precocious puberty appear, stop the treatment.
Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of Chorionic gonadotropin for injection did not include people aged 65 and over.
Overdose
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin has been shown to have very low acute toxicity, as with other urinary gonadotropin preparations. No symptoms of an acute overdose given by injection are known in humans.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
You can store it in one of two ways. Keep it in a refrigerator at 2°C-8°C and don't freeze it. Or keep it below 25°C, but only for a single period of not more than 3 months. Either way, protect it from light and keep it in a dry place.
Common questions about HCG 2500 IU
What is HCG 2500 IU IM/SC Injection?
HCG 2500 IU IM/SC Injection is a medicine that contains Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin. It is made by Popular Pharmaceuticals PLC. It belongs to the Female Sex hormones group of medicines.
What is HCG used for?
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is used in women to induce ovulation when infertility is caused by anovulation or by impaired follicle-ripening. It is also used to prepare the follicles for puncture in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation programs (ART), and for luteal phase support.
What are the side effects of HCG?
Allergic reactions have occasionally been reported with the use of urinary gonadotrophin preparations. Most of these are local reactions, such as pain and rash at the injection site, and generalized reactions such as rash and fever.
Can I take HCG during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is Pregnancy Category X. Studies in animals or in human beings have shown foetal abnormalities, or there is evidence of foetal risk from human experience, or both. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much HCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin has been shown to have very low acute toxicity, as with other urinary gonadotropin preparations. No symptoms of an acute overdose given by injection are known in humans. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store HCG?
You can store it in one of two ways. Keep it in a refrigerator at 2°C-8°C and don't freeze it.
Do I need a prescription for HCG?
HCG is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.