This medication is used as part of a treatment program
for certain fertility problems in women. It is generally used in
combination with another hormone (FSH). This medication provides the
hormone (hCG), which stimulates the release of a mature egg (ovulation) and
helps you become pregnant.
This medication is not recommended for women whose
ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian
failure).
This medication has not been shown to be effective for
weight loss and should not be used for this purpose due to risk of serious
side effects.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you
get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this
medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually one day after your last dose of the hormone FSH. The
injection is given in the abdomen. Follow your doctor's instruction closely
to ensure proper timing of this medication.
Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before
injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. To
lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
Redness or pain at the injection site, mild abdominal
pain, mood changes, or mild nausea/vomiting may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- vision changes
- sudden/severe headache
- pain/swelling of the calf muscles
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- swelling of ankles/hands/feet
This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian
hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during or after
treatment. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the
stomach, chest, and heart area. Get medical help right away if you develop
the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal
(pelvic) area, severe nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or
decreased urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other products containing
chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); or if you have any other allergies. This
product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other fertility problems (such as primary ovarian
failure)
- thyroid or adrenal gland problems
- cancer of the reproductive organs (such as breast, uterus,
ovary)
- tumor in the brain (such as pituitary tumor)
- abnormal uterine/vaginal bleeding
- unexplained ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries
- blood clots
- stroke
- certain heart diseases (such as heart attacks)
- liver disease
- lung problems (such as asthma)
Multiple births may occur because of this treatment.
Consult your doctor for more details.
Stop using this medication when you become pregnant.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you think you may be
pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as gonadotropin levels), possibly causing false test results. Make
sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood hormone tests
such as estradiol levels, vaginal ultrasound) should be done while you are
using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
It is important to use this medication at the scheduled
time. If you miss a dose and forget to use your medication, contact your
doctor or pharmacist right away for instructions. Do not double the dose to
catch up.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original carton to protect from light. The prefilled
syringe may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication
is stored at room temperature, discard after 30 days. Keep all medications
away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.