Choriogonadotropin alfa

USES:

This medication is used in combination with FSH for the treatment of infertility in women and helps them to become pregnant.

Drug class: Gonadotropins, Ovulation Stimulators

Route of administration: Subcutaneous

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

Recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin acts similar as an analogue of luteinizing hormone which binds to hCG/LH receptors of ovarian cells and works by stimulating the release of mature eggs from the ovaries.

Side effects

Common side effects may include nausea/vomiting, headache, abdominal pain/swelling, breast tenderness.

Serious side effects may include weakness, change in vision, swelling of hand/ankles/feet, pain in chest, shortness of breath.

It may cause Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

Precautions

Following precautions should be taken before using this medication:

If you are allergic to chorionic gonadotropin or if you have any other allergies.

If you have a medical history of primary ovarian failure, breast/uterus/ovary cancer, thyroid/adrenal gland problems, brain tumor, ovarian cyst, asthma, stroke, heart attack.

Use of this medication may cause multiple births.

It should not be used during pregnancy.