HCG Injection (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Uses & Side Effects

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This guide cannot diagnose a condition or recommend a personal treatment plan. Discuss medical questions with a qualified professional.

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HCG injections (human chorionic gonadotropin) are a hormone that can increase a person’s chances of pregnancy, helps produce testosterone and sperm, and treats a condition that affects the testes called cryptorchidism. The brand of HCG varies based on your anatomy.

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HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HYOO muhn kor ee ON ik goe NAD oh troe pin), or hCG, treats irregular or absent ovulation in people trying to get pregnant. It works by helping the body release an egg (ovulation), which increases the chance of pregnancy. It may also be used to treat low sperm count. It works by helping the body make more testosterone and sperm. It is often used as part of a fertility treatment program. It can also be used to treat undescended testicles. It works by helping one or both testicles move into the scrotum.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Asthma
Cancer
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Migraines
Ovarian cyst
Seizures
An unusual or allergic reaction to human chorionic gonadotropin, other hormones, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant
Breast-feeding

This medication is either injected into a muscle or under the skin. Talk to your care team to see which way is right for you. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as several months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

It is important not to miss your dose. Talk to your care team about what to do if you miss a dose.

For patients receiving fertility treatment: It is important not to miss a dose, as the success of your fertility treatment depends on proper use of this medication. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you are giving your own injections, do not use double or extra doses. Call your care team if you have any questions.

For patients receiving this medication for other conditions: If you are giving your own injections, and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you forget until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule. Do not use double or extra doses. Call your care team if you have any questions.

Herbal or dietary supplements, such as blue cohosh, black cohosh, or chasteberry

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

For patients receiving fertility treatments: Your care team must closely monitor you. Urine samples, blood tests, or ultrasound exams may be used to monitor treatment. If you think you have become pregnant, contact your care team at once.

For patients receiving this medication for other conditions: Your care team must closely monitor you. Call your care team if you notice any unusual effects.

Talk with your care team about limiting alcohol and decreasing tobacco use during your fertility treatments.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome—stomach or pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain
Unexpected hair growth on the face or body, deepening of the voice, acne, mood swings, unexpected breast tissue growth, early onset menstruation, enlarged testicles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Agitation, feeling irritable or restless
Fatigue
Headache
Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

If you are taking this medication at home, ask your pharmacist how to store the product you are using. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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HCG Injection (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Uses & Side Effects

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