Overview
DESCRIPTION: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a polypeptide hormone produced by the human placenta, is composed of an alpha and a beta sub-unit. The alpha sub-unit is essentially identical to the alpha sub-units of the human pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as to the alpha sub-unit of human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: The action of HCG is virtually identical to that of pituitary LH, although HCG appears to have a small degree of FSH activity as well. It stimulates production of gonadal steroid hormones by stimulating the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) of the testis to produce androgens and the corpus luteum of the ovary to produce progesterone. Androgen stimulation in the male leads to the development of secondary sex characteristics and may stimulate testicular descent when no anatomical impediment to descent is present. This descent is usually reversible when HCG is discontinued. During the normal menstrual cycle, LH participates with FSH in the development and maturation of the normal ovarian follicle, and the mid-cycle LH surge triggers ovulation.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE: HCG HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED TO BE EFFECTIVE ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY. THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE THAT IT INCREASES WEIGHT LOSS BEYOND THAT RESULTING FROM CALORIC RESTRICTION, THAT IT CAUSES A MORE ATTRACTIVE OR ‘‘NORMAL’’ DISTRIBUTION OF FAT, OR THAT IT DECREASES THE HUNGER AND DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH CALORIE-RESTRICTED DIETS. Prepubertal cryptorchidism not due to anatomical obstruction. In general, HCG is thought to induce testicular descent in situations when descent would have occurred at puberty.
Common Doses
- Refer to label
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Intramuscular Use Only The dosage regimen employed in any particular case will depend upon the indication for use, the age and weight of the patient and the physician’s preference. The following regimens have been advocated by various authorities. Prepubertal Cryptorchidism Not Due To Anatomical Obstruction 4,000 USP units three times weekly for three weeks. 5,000 USP units every second day for four injections. 15 injections of 500 to 1,000 USP units over a period of six weeks. 500 USP units three times weekly for four to six weeks.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS: Precocious puberty, prostatic carcinoma or other androgen-dependent neoplasm, prior allergic reaction to HCG.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS: Headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, edema, precocious puberty, gynecomastia and pain at the site of injection.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.