Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG injection

What is this medicine?

HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HYOO muhn kor ee ON ik goe NAD oh troe pin) is a hormone. HCG is used for different reasons in men and women. HCG is used in combination with other fertility drugs to increase a woman's chance of pregnancy. In men or adolescent boys, HCG helps the production of testosterone and sperm. HCG is also used in male children with cryptorchidism, a specific birth problem of the testes.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is either injected in a muscle, like the thigh or buttocks, or it may be given under the skin instead. Ask your doctor which way is right for you. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for male children as young as several months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• breast enlargement

• enlargement of penis and testes

• nausea, vomiting

• pelvic pain or bloating

• sudden increase in height

• sudden weight gain

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• acne

• changes in emotions or mood

• facial hair growth

• headache

• pain, irritation or inflammation at the injection site

• tiredness

• upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

• herbal or dietary supplements, like blue cohosh, black cohosh, or chasteberry

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

For men or boys: If you are giving your own injections, and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you forget until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule. Do not use double or extra doses. Call your doctor if you have any questions.

For women receiving fertility treatment: It is important not to miss a dose, as the success of your fertility treatment depends on proper use of this medication. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you are giving your own injections, do not use double or extra doses. Call your doctor if you have any questions.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You may not need to store this medicine at home. If you are taking this medicine at home, ask your pharmacist how to store the product you are using. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• cyst on the ovary

• heart disease

• migraine

• kidney disease

• ovarian cancer or other female-related cancer

• prostate cancer or other male-related cancer

• seizures

• an unusual or allergic reaction to HCG, other hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant (this medicine should not be used if you are already pregnant)

• breast feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

For men or boys: Your doctor must closely monitor you. Call your doctor if you notice any unusual effects.

For women receiving fertility treatments: Your doctor must closely monitor you. Urine samples, blood tess, or ultrasound exams may be used to monitor treatment. If you think you have become pregnant, contact your doctor at once.

Talk with your doctor about limiting alcohol and decreasing tobacco use during your fertility treatments.