Pregnyl

How Pregnyl treats problems

Pregnyl (human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)) is a glycoprotein that dissolves in water. It is available in the urine of pregnant women. It is composed of two sub-units namely; alpha and beta sub-units. A sole injection of hormone Pregnyl (human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)) activates ovulation in a span of 38 to 40 hours. The action of Pregnyl (human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)) is similar tothat of luteinizing hormone (lh). Along with the follicle stimulating hormone (fsh), lh influences the oogenesis process. Lh also initiates the ovulation process at mid-cycle. The role Pregnyl (human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)) plays in the body is similar to that of lh that is, stimulation of ovulation in women having infertility problems. It triggers production of hormone progesterone by the corpus luteum in the ovaries.in men, it triggers secretion of hormone testosterone and also raises the sperm count. Pregnyl (human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)) influencesthe interstitial cells in the testicles to produce androgens.

What conditions is Pregnyl used for?

Hormone Pregnyl is used in the following conditions:

• Treating infertility in women.

• Raising sperm count in men.

• In young boys whose testes have not descended naturally into the scrotum.

How to take Pregnyl

USUAL ADULT DOSE FOR OVULATION INDUCTION

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

chorionic gonadotropin:

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

recombinant chorionic gonadotropin:

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 5000 units three times a week for an additional 3 months.

USUAL PEDIATRIC DOSE FOR PREPUBERTAL CRYPTOERCHIDISM

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.

What is the most important information I should know about  Pregnyl?

Pregnyl is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. If you use this medicine at home, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs of a blood clot: pain, warmth, redness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or leg; confusion, extreme dizziness, or severe headache. Some women using this medicine have developed a condition called ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first treatment cycle. OHSS can be a life-threatening condition. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of OHSS: severe pelvic pain, swelling of the hands or legs, stomach pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and urinating less than normal.  Pregnyl can cause early puberty in young boys. Call your doctor if a boy using this medicine shows early signs of puberty, such as a deepened voice, pubic hair growth, and increased acne or sweating. Using this medicine can increase your chances of having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc). A multiple pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy for the mother and for the babies. Follow your doctor's instructions about any special care you may need during your pregnancy. Although  Pregnyl can help you become pregnant, this medication is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that using the medication once you are pregnant can cause birth defects in the baby. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using  Pregnyl?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to  Pregnyl, or if you have: early puberty (also called precocious puberty); or a hormone-related cancer (such as prostate cancer).Before receiving  Pregnyl tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have: a thyroid or adrenal gland disorder; an ovarian cyst; premature puberty; cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland; undiagnosed uterine bleeding; heart disease; kidney disease; epilepsy; migraines; or asthma. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use  Pregnyl. Although  Pregnyl can help you become pregnant, this medication is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that using the medication once you are pregnant can cause birth defects in the baby. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Pregnyl passes into breast milk. Do not use Pregnyl without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Pregnyl?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Pregnyl is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check you on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. Some brands of  Pregnyl come in powder form with a separate liquid that you must mix together and draw into a syringe. Other brands are provided in single-dose prefilled syringes. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or the liquid has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription. Store unmixed Pregnyl at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat. After mixing the Pregnyl, you must keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready for your injection. Throw away any mixed medicine that you have not used within 30 days after mixing.