Chorigon

HCG HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED TO BE EFFECTIVE ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY. THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE THAT IT INCREASES WEIGHT LOSS BEYOND THAT RESULTING FROM CALORIC RESTRICTION, THAT IT CAUSES A MORE ATTRACTIVE OR ‘‘NORMAL’’ DISTRIBUTION OF FAT, OR THAT IT DECREASES THE HUNGER AND DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH CALORIE-RESTRICTED DIETS.

1. Prepubertal cryptorchidism not due to anatomical obstruction. In general, HCG is thought to induce testicular descent in situations when descent would have occurred at puberty. HCG thus may help predict whether or not orchiopexy will be needed in the future. Although, in some cases, descent following HCG administration is permanent, in most cases, the response is temporary. Therapy is usually instituted between the ages four and nine.
2. Selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (hypogonadism secondary to a pituitary deficiency) in males.
3. Induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory, infertile woman in whom the cause of anovulation is secondary and not due to primary ovarian failure, and who has been appropriately pretreated with human menotropins.

Chorigon is a drug whose actions are almost the same as those of luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. It is a hormone also normally produced by the placenta in pregnancy. Chorigon has different uses for females and males.

In females, Chorigon is used to help conception occur. It is usually given in combination with other drugs such as menotropins and urofollitropin. Many women being treated with these drugs usually have already tried clomiphene alone (e.g., Serophene) and have not been able to conceive yet. Chorigon is also used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs.

In males, LH and Chorigon stimulate the testes to produce male hormones such as testosterone. Testosterone causes the enlargement of the penis and testes and the growth of pubic and underarm hair. It also increases the production of sperm.

Although Chorigon has been prescribed to help some patients lose weight, it should never be used this way. When used improperly, Chorigon can cause serious problems.

Chorigon is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Usual Adult Dose for Ovulation Induction

Ovulation Induction (if the cause of anovulation is secondary and not due to primary ovarian failure):

Chorigon:

5000 to 10,000 units IM one day following last day of menotropins.

recombinant Chorigon:

250 mcg subcutaneously one day following last dose of follicle-stimulating agent.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypogonadism - Male

hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (secondary to a pituitary deficiency):

500 to 1000 units IM three times a week for 3 weeks followed by the same dose twice a week for 3 weeks or,

4000 units IM three times a week for 6 to 9 months followed by 2000 units three times a week for an additional 3 months.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Prepubertal Cryptorchidism

Prepubertal cryptorchidism (usually between ages of 4 and 9 years and not due to anatomical obstruction):

4000 units IM three times a week for 3 weeks or,

5000 units IM on every other day for four injections or,

500 to 1000 units IM for 15 injections over a period of 6 weeks or,

500 units three times a week for 4 to 6 weeks; if not successful, may repeat series at 1000 unit dosage one month later.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Dialysis

Data not available

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Chorigon?

Precocious puberty, prostatic carcinoma or other androgen-dependent neoplasm, prior allergic reaction to HCG.

Use Chorigon as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Chorigon is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Chorigon at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Chorigon contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Using the technique described to you by your doctor, add the diluent to the vial that contains the medicine. Mix the solution by gently rotating the vial. DO NOT SHAKE. The solution should be clear and free of particles.
• Wipe the rubber stopper of the vial with an alcohol swab. Insert the needle straight through the center circle of the rubber stopper. Draw up the solution for injection. After drawing up the solution, switch needles. Be sure all air bubbles are tapped out of the syringe.
• Wipe the appropriate injection site (usually the upper thigh or buttocks) with an alcohol swab, then insert the syringe. To be sure that the needle is not in a vein, pull back on the plunger of the syringe while holding the syringe in place. If the syringe begins to fill with blood, the needle is in a vein. If this happens, remove the needle from the skin, throw the syringe away, and start the procedure again using new materials (drugs, syringes, etc.).
• After giving the injection, cover the injection site with a small bandage if necessary.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Chorigon, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Chorigon.

Laboratory Test Interactions

Interference with radioimmunoassay for gonadotropins, particularly luteinizing hormone.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Chorigon?

Applies to Chorigon (hcg): powder for solution, solution

As well as its needed effects, Chorigon (hcg) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Severity: Moderate

If any of the following side effects occur while taking Chorigon (hcg), check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

For females onlyMore common:

• Bloating (mild)
• stomach or pelvic pain

• Abdominal or stomach pain (severe)
• bloating (moderate to severe)
• decreased amount of urine
• feeling of indigestion
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (continuing or severe)
• pelvic pain (severe)
• shortness of breath
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• weight gain (rapid)

• Acne
• enlargement of penis and testes
• growth of pubic hair
• increase in height (rapid)

• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty breathing
• flushing of skin
• hives or welts
• itching of skin
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs
• pain in chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
• redness of skin
• severe, sudden headache
• skin rash
• slurred speech
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden, severe weakness or numbness in arm or leg
• sudden, unexplained shortness of breath
• tightness in chest
• unusually warm skin
• vision changes
• wheezing

Minor Side Effects

Some Chorigon (hcg) side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

Less common:

• Discouragement
• enlargement of breasts
• feeling sad or empty
• headache
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• pain at place of injection
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• tiredness

Side Effects: Post Treatment

After you stop taking this drug, it is possible that you may still experience side effects that need medical attention. If you notice any of the following side effects check with your doctor immediately:

For females onlyLess common or rare:

• Abdominal or stomach pain (severe)
• bloating (moderate to severe)
• decreased amount of urine
• feeling of indigestion
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (continuing or severe)
• pelvic pain (severe)
• shortness of breath
• weight gain (rapid)