Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Established / FDA-approved uses

• Female infertility (ovulation induction): Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is used, as part of an assisted reproduction/ovulation-induction protocol together with menotropins or other gonadotropins (e.g., FSH), to trigger final follicular maturation and ovulation in anovulatory infertile women whose infertility is functional rather than caused by primary ovarian failure.
• Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is indicated in selected males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to stimulate testicular Leydig cell testosterone production; it is often combined with menotropins/FSH when stimulation of spermatogenesis is also required.
• Prepubertal cryptorchidism: Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is indicated to induce testicular descent in prepubertal boys with cryptorchidism that is not due to anatomic obstruction.

Not an approved use

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is not approved and not effective for weight loss or obesity treatment. Regulatory authorities have found no substantial evidence supporting its use as a weight-loss aid, and "hCG diet" products are not a recognized medical use of this hormone.

All uses of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin require initiation and monitoring by a qualified specialist (reproductive endocrinologist, urologist, or pediatric endocrinologist).

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is given only under the direct supervision of a physician experienced in fertility treatment or endocrine disorders, with dosing individualized to the indication and the patient's response. It is administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection after reconstitution of the lyophilized powder; see Dosage and Administration below for indication-specific regimens and injection technique. In ovulation-induction cycles, monitoring with ultrasound and/or serum estradiol is required before Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is given, to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (see Precautions).

Reported adverse effects of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin include:

• Common: pain, redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site; headache; fatigue or irritability; mood changes; fluid retention/mild edema.
• In males: gynecomastia (breast enlargement/tenderness), fluid retention, precocious puberty signs when used in boys (increased virilization).
• In females: pelvic pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, mild ovarian enlargement; ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an important but less common complication - see Precautions and Warnings for details.
• Less common/serious: allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing), arterial thromboembolic events (rare) - see Precautions.

Patients should promptly report severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, significant bloating, breathing difficulty, or signs of an allergic reaction while using Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin.