Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Chorionic Gonadotropin
Other Names: Novarel, Pregnyl
Drug Class: Gonadotropins
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Novarel? (Back to top)
HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN is a hormone. HCG is used for different reasons in men and women. HCG is used in combination with other fertility drugs to increase a woman's chance of pregnancy. In men or adolescent boys, HCG helps the production of testosterone and sperm. HCG is also used in male children with cryptorchidism, a specific birth problem of the testes. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers 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-related cancer
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to HCG, other hormones, other 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)
This medicine is either injected in a muscle, like the thigh or buttocks, or it may be given under the skin instead. Ask your doctor which way is right for you. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for male children as young as several months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

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 doctor if you have any questions.

For women receiving fertility treatment: It is important not to miss a dose, as the success of your fertility treatment depends on proper use of this medication. Call your doctor 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 doctor if you have any questions.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are taking any of the following:

• herbal or dietary supplements, like blue cohosh, black cohosh, or chasteberry

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• acne (pimples)
• breast enlargement
• enlargement of penis and testes
• development of facial or pubic hair
• a sudden increase in height

• indigestion
• nausea, vomiting
• passing small amounts of urine
• shortness of breath
• stomach area or pelvic pain or bloating
• swelling
• rapid weight gain

• changes in emotions or mood
• headache
• pain, irritation or inflammation at the injection site
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
For men or boys: Your doctor must closely monitor you. Call your doctor if you notice any unusual effects.

For women receiving fertility treatments: Your doctor must closely monitor you. Urine samples, blood tess, or ultrasound exams may be used to monitor treatment. If you think you have become pregnant, contact your doctor at once.

Talk with your doctor about limiting alcohol and decreasing tobacco use during your fertility treatments.

Where should I keep this 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, ask your pharmacist how to store the product you are using. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:June 16, 2007

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