🔹 Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Injection 10,000 IU – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH). It plays a crucial role in fertility treatments by triggering ovulation in women and stimulating testosterone production in men. The 10,000 IU dose is typically used for ovulation induction or other high-response clinical needs.
💊 Prescription / Use:
Indications:
- Female infertility:
- Induces final maturation of ovarian follicles and ovulation after follicular stimulation
- Male hypogonadism:
- Stimulates testosterone production and spermatogenesis
- Cryptorchidism:
- Helps in testicular descent in boys
- Luteal phase support in some fertility protocols
Typical Doses:
- Women (Ovulation induction):
- Single 10,000 IU IM or SC injection after optimal follicle development
- Men (Hypogonadism):
- 1000–3000 IU 2–3 times per week
(10,000 IU vial divided as per schedule by the physician)
- 1000–3000 IU 2–3 times per week
Route of Administration:
- Intramuscular (IM) or Subcutaneous (SC) injection
🔬 Nature:
- Drug class: Gonadotropin hormone
- Form: Lyophilized powder for reconstitution
- Source: Human urine-derived or recombinant
- Mechanism: Mimics LH surge → triggers ovulation in women, stimulates Leydig cells in men to produce testosterone
🌟 Advantages:
- Effectively triggers ovulation
- Supports luteal phase and implantation
- In men: stimulates testosterone and spermatogenesis
- Used in assisted reproduction (IUI, IVF)
- Used in delayed puberty or undescended testicles in boys
📦 Common Packaging:
- 1 vial of lyophilized powder (10,000 IU)
- 1 ampoule or vial of solvent (typically 1 mL sterile water)
- Packaged in a sealed box labeled with:
- Dosage (10,000 IU), batch no., expiry, storage info, manufacturer
🧊 Storage:
- Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C
- Do not freeze
- Protect from light
- Use immediately after reconstitution
- Discard unused portion safely
⚠️ Precautions:
- Do not use if:
- Pregnant (unless prescribed for luteal support)
- Known allergy to hCG
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., prostate, breast)
- Children with precocious puberty
- Use with caution in:
- Women with PCOS (risk of OHSS)
- Those prone to thromboembolic events
- Possible Side Effects:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): abdominal pain, bloating, nausea
- Headache, mood swings
- Injection site pain
- In men: gynecomastia, acne, water retention
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take injection exactly as scheduled
- Avoid self-injection unless trained
- For women:
- Time intercourse or fertility procedures 24–36 hours after injection
- Watch for signs of OHSS (severe bloating, vomiting, breathing difficulty)
- Men should report:
- Breast swelling, testicular pain, or unusual fatigue
- Dispose of syringes/needles in a puncture-proof container
- Inform doctor of all other medications or if undergoing diagnostic scans