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Chorionic gonadotropin
(HCG)
Chorionic gonadotropin (A.P.L.)
HCG (A.P.L.)
Chorionic gonadotropin
(kor-ee-ON-ik go-NAD-oh-troh-pin)
Pregnancy Category: X A.P.L. Chorex-5 and -10 Choron 10 Gonic Novarel Pregnyl Profasi (Rx)

Classification: Gonadotropic hormone

Action/Kinetics: The actions of HCG, produced by the trophoblasts of the fertilized ovum and then by the placenta, resemble those of LH. In males, HCG stimulates androgen production by the testes, the development of secondary sex characteristics, and testicular descent when no anatomic impediment is present. In women, HCG stimulates progesterone production by the corpus luteum and completes expulsion of the ovum from a mature follicle. No significant evidence that HCG causes a more attractive or "normal" distribution of fat or that it decreases hunger and discomfort due to calorie-restricted diets.

Uses: Males: Prepubertal cryptorchidism, hypogonadism due to pituitary insufficiency. Females: Infertility not due to primary ovarian failure (used with menotropins).

Contraindications: Precocious puberty, prostatic cancer or other androgen-dependent neoplasm, hypersensitivity to drug. Development of precocious puberty is cause for discontinuance of therapy. Pregnancy.

Special Concerns: Since HCG increases androgen production, drug should be used with caution in clients in whom androgen-induced edema may be harmful (epilepsy, migraines, asthma, cardiac or renal diseases). Use with caution during lactation. Safety and efficacy have not been shown in children less than 4 years of age.

Side Effects: CNS:
Headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, aggressive behavior. GU: Precocious puberty, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ovarian malignancy (rare), enlargement of preexisting ovarian cysts with possible rupture. Miscellaneous: Edema, gynecomastia, pain at injection site, fluid retention, arterial thromboembolism.

How Supplied: Powder for injection: 5,000 U, 10,000 U, 20,000 U

Dosage
•IM Only Prepubertal cryptorchidism, not due to anatomic obstruction.
Various regimens including (1) 4,000 USP units 3 times/week for 3 weeks; (2) 5,000 USP units every other day for 4 injections; (3) 15 injections over a period of 6 weeks of 500-1,000 USP units/injection; (4) 500 USP units 3 times/week for 4-6 weeks; may be repeated after 1 month using 1,000 USP units.
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males.
The following regimens may be used: (1) 500-1,000 USP units 3 times/week for 3 weeks; then, same dose twice weekly for 3 weeks; (2) 4,000 USP units 3 times/week for 6-9 months; then, 2,000 USP units 3 times/week for 3 more months; (3) 1,000-2,000 USP units 3 times/week.