What is the most important information I should know about HCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is given as an injection under the skin or into a
muscle. If you use this medicine at home, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific
instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. 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.
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 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, and urinating less than normal.
HCG 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.
Using this medicine can increase your chances of having a multiple pregnancy (twins,
triplets, quadruplets, etc). A multiple pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy for the mother and for
the babies. Follow your doctor's instructions about any special care you may need during your
pregnancy.
Although HCG can help you become pregnant, this medication is in the FDA
pregnancy category X. This means that using the medication once you are pregnant can cause
birth defects in the baby.
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
What is HCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that supports the normal
development of an egg in a woman's ovary, and stimulates the release of the egg during
ovulation.
HCG is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women, and to increase sperm
count in men. HCG is also used in young boys when their testicles have not dropped down into
the scrotum normally. This can be caused by a pituitary gland disorder.
HCG may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using HCG?
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to HCG,
or if you have:
Before receiving HCG tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
drugs or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use HCG.
Although HCG can help you become pregnant, this medication is in the FDA
pregnancy category X. This means that using the medication once you are pregnant can cause
birth defects in the baby. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether HCG passes into breast milk. Do not use HCG without
telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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