RESOURCES > Fertility medication guide > Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

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Novarel®, Pregnyl®, chorionic gonadotropin (chorionic gonadotropin)
Ovidrel® (choriogonadotropin alfa)

Generic name: chorionic gonadotropin

Dosage form: Intramuscular injection

How it works: In women, taken after finishing another medication (follitropins or menotropins) to cause ovulation. In men, taken to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (absent or decreased function of the testes).

Missed dose: Call your doctor immediately. Until you are able to speak with your doctor, take the missed dose unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at one time. It is important that you talk with your doctor as soon as possible about whether your treatment plan will need to be adjusted because of a missed dose.

Storage and handling: Novarel: Store dry product at controlled room temperature (59°F to 86°F). After reconstitution, refrigerate at 36°F to 46°F and use within 30 days. Pregnyl: Store at 59°F to 86°F. Reconstituted solution is stable for 60 days when refrigerated.

Common side effects: Local discomfort, bruising, and soreness at the injection site, and symptoms of OHSS may occur. Other side effects include ovarian enlargement, headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, edema (swelling), precocious puberty in females, and gynecomastia in males. There is a risk of serious blood vessel problems, which can include blood clots.

Contact your doctor immediately: If you experience symptoms of OHSS, difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest

Generic name: choriogonadotropin alfa

Dosage form: Subcutaneous injection

How it works: Taken after finishing another medication (follitropins or menotropins) to cause ovulation

Missed dose: Call your doctor immediately. Until you are able to speak with your doctor, take the missed dose unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at one time. It is important that you talk with your doctor as soon as possible about whether your treatment plan will need to be adjusted because of a missed dose.

Storage and handling: Store refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F for use until the expiration date. May be stored for no more than 30 days at room temperature (up to 77°F) but must be used within those 30 days. Protect from light. Store in original package. Discard unused material.

Common side effects: Local discomfort, bruising and soreness at the injection site, and symptoms of OHSS may occur. Other side effects may include ovarian cysts, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, breast pain, flatulence, abdominal enlargement, and itching. There is a risk of serious blood vessel problems, which can include blood clots.

Contact your doctor immediately: If you experience symptoms of OHSS, difficulty breathing, or tightness in the chest

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Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.