Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Ovidrel/Pregnyl
Description: Gonadotropin, Ovulation Stimulator
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a natural analog of the pituitary produced hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH) which stimulates testosterone production by the testes in men and estrogen by the ovaries in women. Pregnyl is isolated from the urine of pregnant women. On the other hand, Ovidrel is produced by recombinant DNA technology. Both Pregnyl and Ovidrel differ slightly in their molecular structure with the latter consisting of dimeric HCG with nce to suggest any different outcomes can be expected between using Ovidrel or Pregnyl.
Indications For Use
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Ovidrel/Pregnyl is officially indicated for infertility and hypogonadism. It is also prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Precautions
- Do not use if hypersensitive to any components Ovidrel, Pregnyl/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
- Do not use if a patient is at risk or has a family history of thrombosis, severe obesity, or thrombophilia
- Use caution in asthma
- Use with caution in cardiovascular disease
- Use with caution in patients with a history of migraines
- Use with caution in patients with a history of seizure disorders
- Can potentially cause multiple births
- Do not use if pregnant
- Do not use in women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Do not use if you have uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
- Do not use in patients with active hepatic disease
Usual Dosing
Infertility: Inject subcutaneously 250IU one day following the last dose of a follicle-stimulating agent such as menotropin.
*Ovidrel is only available in prefilled syringes of 250mcg/0.5ml
Infertility: Inject intramuscularly 5000IU to 10000IU one day after the last dose of a follicle-stimulating agent such as menotropin.
Hypogonadism: Inject intramuscularly 500IU to 1000IU three times weekly as directed by your doctor.
Weight Loss: Inject subcutaneously 15IU to 20IU daily as directed by your doctor.
Points To Consider
Cons
Difficult and timely preparation of Pregnyl before first use
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Ovidrel/Pregnyl: Depending on the usage the dose can differ widely and only physicians familiar and experienced should be prescribing Ovidrel, Pregnyl/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Pregnyl must be reconstituted before using the vial for the first time.
Reconstitute the vial of lyophilized powder with bacteriostatic water and store in the refrigerator. Reconstituted vials can be stored in the refrigerator, freezer or at room temperature.
Close Monitoring is Recommended When You Use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Ovidrel/Pregnyl: In men, serum testosterone and semen analysis is recommended in cases of infertility and/or hypogonadism. In women, ultrasound and/or estradiol levels to assess follicle development; ovulation (basal body temperature, serum progestin, menstruation) should be closely followed in cases of infertility.
Side Effects
Some of the more common side effects include:
2% to 10%
Endocrine and Metabolic: Ovarian cyst (3%), ovarian hyperstimulation (<2%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (3% to 4%), nausea (3%), vomiting (3%)
Local: Injection site pain (8%), bruising (3% to 5%), reaction (<2%), inflammation (<2%)
Frequently Asked Questions
How to you reconstitute a vial of Pregnyl/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?
Reconstitute a vial of Pregnyl/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin by adding bacteriostatic water. For example, if you dilute a 5000IU vial with 2.5ml of water this will result in a 2000IU/ml solution. If you need to measure out a 200IU then draw a dose of 0.1ml of solution which is marked as 10IU on an insulin syringe.