Indications
Gonadotrophin here means human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone injection used in fertility treatment. In women it is used to trigger the final ripening and release of eggs (ovulation) during fertility treatment, and to support the early part of the menstrual cycle in some treatments. In men and boys it is used for certain cases of low testosterone due to pituitary problems (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) and, in boys, for some cases of undescended testes.
How It Works
hCG acts like luteinising hormone (LH), a natural hormone from the pituitary gland. In women it causes a mature follicle in the ovary to release its egg and supports the corpus luteum, which makes progesterone. In men it stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and helps sperm production.
Dosage and Administration
Given by injection into a muscle or under the skin, by a doctor or nurse or self-injected after training. The dose and timing are decided by the fertility or hormone specialist and are given exactly as prescribed, often guided by ultrasound scans and blood tests. Timing of the trigger injection is very important, so follow the clinic’s instructions carefully.
Interactions
No major drug interactions are known. It can cause a positive pregnancy test for up to about 10 days after injection, so pregnancy tests should be timed as advised by the clinic. Tell the specialist about all other hormone medicines you use.
Contraindications
- Known or suspected hormone-dependent tumours (for example of the ovary, breast, uterus, prostate, testis, pituitary or hypothalamus).
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Blood clotting disorders, and allergy to hCG.
- Infertility that cannot respond to treatment, such as early menopause.
Side Effects
Common: headache, tiredness, mood changes, pain or swelling at the injection site, tummy discomfort and breast tenderness. In women, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur, causing swollen ovaries and fluid build-up. Multiple pregnancy is more likely. In boys, early puberty signs may appear.
Get urgent medical help for severe tummy pain or swelling, rapid weight gain, passing very little urine, shortness of breath, pain or swelling in a leg, chest pain or signs of a severe allergy.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Used to help achieve pregnancy but not used once pregnancy is confirmed, except as directed by the specialist. Not used during breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Treatment needs close monitoring by a specialist.
- Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage are slightly more common in fertility treatment.
- Use with care in heart, kidney disease, epilepsy, migraine and asthma.
- hCG is not a weight-loss treatment.
Overdose
Too much may increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. Contact the clinic or seek medical help if symptoms appear.
Therapeutic Class
Gonadotrophin; fertility hormone.
Storage
Store as directed on the pack, usually in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze, protected from light. Use soon after mixing. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.