HCG Pregnyl

Description

HCG Pregnyl is a natural protein hormone which develops in the placenta of a pregnant woman. HCG is formed in the placenta immediately after nidation. It has luteinizing characteristics since it is quite similar to the luteinizing hormone LH in the anterior pituitary gland. During the first 6-8 weeks of a pregnancy the formed HCG allows for continued production of estrogens and gestagens in the yellow bodies (corpi luteum). Later on, the placenta itself produces these 2 hormones.

HCG is manufactured from the urine of pregnant women since it is exereted in unchanged form from the blood via the woman’s urine, passing through the kidneys. The commercially available HCG is sold as a dry substance and can be used both in men and women. In women injectable HCG allows for owlation since it influences the last stages of the development of the ovum, thus stimulating ovulation. It also helps produce estrogens and yellow bodies. The fact that exogenous HCG has characteristics almost identical to those of the luteinizing hormone (LH) which, as mentioned, is produced in the hypophysis, makes HCG so very interesting for athletes. In a man the luteinizing hormone stimulates the Leydig’s cells in the testes; this in turn stimulates production of androgenic hormones (testosterone). For this reason athletes use injectable HCG to increase the testosterone production.

In women, HCG Pregnyl used together with other hormones called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) in the treatment of infertility. Also, HCG Pregnyl stimulates the final maturation of eggs in women having IVF treatment. In men it is used to help treat delayed puberty, undescended testes or oligospermia (low sperm count). 

Like all medicines, HCG Pregnyl can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

HCG Pregnyl may cause reactions at the site of injection, such as bruising, pain, redness, swelling and rashes at the injection site however, more widespread rash and fever may occur. Contact a doctor immediately if you are a woman and experience: severe pain in the abdomen, feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea, painful breasts, also if it occurs a few days after you receive your last injection, since it could be a sign of unwanted overstimulation of the ovaries (OHSS).

Other possible side effects: acne (in men), fluid retention, headache, tiredness, mood changes

If you notice any side effects not mentioned, please inform your doctor or pharmacist. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.