PREGNYL/OVIDREL (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

What is this medication? 

PREGNYL/OVIDREL (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
Gonadotropin, Ovulation Stimulator

PREGNYL/OVIDREL (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is officially indicated for infertility and hypogonadism.  It is also prescribed off-label for weight loss.

How does this medication work?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a natural analog of the pituitary produced hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH) which stimulates testosterone production by the testes in men and estrogen by the ovaries in women.  PREGNYL is isolated from the urine of pregnant women.  On the other hand, OVIDREL is produced by recombinant DNA technology.  Both PREGNYL and OVIDREL differ slightly in their molecular structure with the later consisting of dimeric HCG with nce to suggest any different outcomes can be expected between using OVIDREL or PREGNYL.

How should I take this medication? 

Infertility: 
IM: Inject intramuscularly 5000IU to 10000IU one day after the last dose of a follicle stimulating agent such as menotropin. 

SQ: Inject subcutaneously 250IU one day following the last dose of a follicle stimulating agent such as menotropin.

Hypogonadism: 
IM: Inject intramuscularly 500IU to 1000IU three times weekly as directed by your doctor.

Weight Loss: 
SQ: Inject subcutaneously 15IU to 20IU daily as directed by your doctor. 

How to Take: Depending on the usage the dose can differ widely and only physicians familiar and experienced should be prescribing PREGNYL/OVIDREL (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).  PREGNYL must be reconstituted before using the vial for the first time.

Note: In men, serum testosterone and semen analysis is recommended in cases of infertility and/or hypogonadism.  In women, ultrasound and/or estradiol levels to assess follicle development; ovulation (basal body temperature, serum progestin, menstruation) should be closely followed in cases of infertility.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting PREGNYL/OVIDREL (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Do not use if hypersensitive to any components this medication. Do not use if you are at risk or have a family history of thrombosis, severe obesity, or thrombophilia. Use with caution if you have asthma, cardiovascular disease, or history of migraines, or seizure disorders.  Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) can potentially cause multiple births. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Do not use if you have uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction. Do not use in patients with active hepatic disease.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, receive the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and receive your next dose at the regular time. Do not receive two doses at the same time.

If you are still unsure after missing a dose., call your doctor for instructions.

How should I store this medication?

PREGNYL
Store at controlled room temperature 15-30°C (59-86°F). Reconstituted solution is stable for 60 days when refrigerated.

OVIDREL
Store refrigerated between 2-8°C (36-46°F) to allow the product to be used until the expiry date shown on the syringe or carton. OVIDREL may be stored for no more than 30 days at room temperature (up to 25°C (77°F) but must be used within those 30 days.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication? 

Ovarian cyst, ovarian hyperstimulation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, injection site pain, bruising, reaction , inflammation.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for PPREGNYL/OVIDREL (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), only common ones.