• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
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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.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of HCG?

Stop using HCG 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.

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How should I use HCG?
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. HCG 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.

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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.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of HCG.

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What other drugs will affect HCG?
There may be other drugs that can interact with HCG. 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.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) has been assigned to pregnancy category X by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of defects of forelimbs and central nervous system. Alterations in sex ratio has been reported in animal studies on combined gonadotropin and chorionic gonadotropin therapy in dosages to induce superovulation. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is considered contraindicated during pregnancy. It should not be administered after conception has occurred.

There are no data on the excretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) into human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions due to human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in nursing infants, caution is recommended if HCG is administered to a nursing woman.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Precocious puberty.
• Carcinoma of prostate or other androgen-dependent neoplasms.
• Pregnancy.
• Known hypersensitivity to hCG or any ingredient in formulation.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of HCG is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

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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: early puberty (also called precocious puberty); or a hormone-related cancer (such as prostate cancer). Before receiving HCG 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;

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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