most popular
articles

Viewed

Commented

Drug Search

DRUGS A-Z

Find information on drug interactions, side effects, and more.

Enter a Drug Name		Pick from Common Drugs
	or

Generic Name: chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)

A gonadotropin - It is used for different reasons in men and women

View All Brands

basic
INFO

What is this medicine?

HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HYOO muhn kor ee ON ik goe NAD oh troe pin) 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 provider before I take this medicine?

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?

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?

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?

Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are taking any of the following medications:

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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.

1 2

All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

Content
licensed
from:

Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

health

TOOLS

	Symptom Search Enter your symptoms in our Symptom Checker to find out possible causes of your symptoms. Go.
	Drug Interaction Checker Enter any list of prescription drugs and see how they interact with each other and with other substances. Go.
	Pill Identifier Enter its color and shape information, and this tool helps you identify it. Go.