Drugs & Vitamins

A.P.L. Active Ingredients: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Representative Names: A.P.L., Chorex-10, Chorex-5, Choron-10, Gonic, Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Profasi Available Product Images: What is human chorionic gonadotropin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with HCG? What side effects may I notice from receiving HCG? What should I watch for while taking HCG? Where can I keep my medicine? What is human chorionic gonadotropin injection? (Back to top) HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (also known as 'HCG', brands include A.P.L.®, Chorex®, Novarel®, Ovidrel®, Pregnyl®, Profasi®) is a hormone that is used for different reasons in men and women. HCG has actions similar to a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in both sexes, called LH, or luteinizing hormone. HCG can help women with fertility problems. To increase a woman's chance of getting pregnant, HCG is used in combination with other fertility drugs. For some men or adolescent males, HCG helps to stimulate the production of testosterone (male sex hormone) and sperm. HCG may also be used in select male children with cryptorchidism, a specific birth problem of the testes (male sex part). Human chorionic gonadotropin injections are available from many manufacturers; not all brands are interchangeable. Ovidrel® is the only recombinant (lab-derived) HCG product currently available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) 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 cancer •seizures (convulsions) •an unusual or allergic reaction to HCG, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant (this medicine should not be used if you are already pregnant) •breast feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) HCG is usually for injection into a muscle, like the thigh or buttocks. Occasionally the injection is given under the skin instead. For men or boys: Depending on how the HCG will be used, the length of treatment, and your comfort, your health care professional may teach you how to give your own injections. Otherwise the injections will be given by a trained health care professional in the prescriber's office, clinic, or by home health care. For women receiving infertility treatments: The HCG injection will be given by a health care professional during the day indicated by the doctor during the fertility treatment cycle. It will be given as one dose per cycle under the direction of a doctor with experience in managing fertility disorders. You may be taught how to give this medicine to yourself. Your fertility specialist will explain the needed procedures. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) Try not to miss a dose. If you are unable to keep an appointment to receive your dose, call your doctor to reschedule. 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 prescriber if you have any questions. For women receiving infertility treatments: It is important not to miss a dose, as the success of your fertility treatments depends on proper use of this medication, and fertility treatments are expensive. Call your prescriber 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 prescriber if you have any questions. What drug(s) may interact with HCG? (Back to top) •herbal or dietary supplements, like blue cohosh, black cohosh, or chasteberry Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving HCG? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Any symptoms of rare allergic reactions: •difficulty breathing or shortness of breath •itching •skin rash or hives •swelling of the areas of the mouth or throat For boys: •acne (pimples) •enlargement of penis and testes •development of facial or pubic hair •a sudden increase in height For women on fertility treatments: •indigestion •nausea, vomiting •passing small amounts of urine •shortness of breath •stomach area or pelvic pain or bloating •swelling •rapid weight gain Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •breast enlargement in men or teenage boys •headache •mood changes, such as irritability, restless feelings, or anger •pain, irritation or inflammation at the injection site •tiredness What should I watch for while taking HCG? (Back to top) For women on HCG for fertility treatments: Your prescriber or health care professional must closely monitor you. If you are a woman receiving HCG to help you get pregnant, it is important to keep all records required by your health care professional on body temperature and intercourse, and to carefully follow any directions for urine or blood testing or ultrasound exams. If you think you have become pregnant, contact your prescriber at once. Certain fertility treatments increase your chances of having multiple babies, like twins or triplets. Drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking tobacco may decrease some person's chances of becoming pregnant. Talk with your health care professional about not drinking alcohol and decreasing tobacco use during your fertility treatments. For men or boys on HCG to treat problems related to low hormone levels or delayed testicle development: Your prescriber or health care professional must closely monitor you. Notify your prescriber if you notice any unusual effects from this medication. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) 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, you will need to ask your pharmacist for storage instructions for the product you are using. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date; ask your health care professional about the proper disposal of used syringes. Last Updated:07/07/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.