Gonadotropin, Chorionic
Class: Gonadotropins and Antigonadotropins
ATC Class: G03GA08
VA Class: HS400
CAS Number: 9002-61-3
Brands: Novarel, Pregnyl
Introduction
Gonad-stimulating hormone; urinary-derived, naturally occurring human chorionic gonadotropin (u-hCG).
Uses for Gonadotropin, Chorionic
Prepubertal Cryptorchidism
Management of prepubertal cryptorchidism not caused by anatomical obstruction.
Induction of testicular descent usually only temporary; response may be permanent in some patients.
Differential diagnosis (hCG stimulatory test) of cryptorchidism in prepubertal boys to predict whether subsequent orchidopexy will be required. In general, hCG is thought to induce testicular descent in patients in whom descent would have occurred at puberty.
Start corrective therapy for cryptorchidism before pubescence to prevent irreparable testicular damage; opinions differ regarding optimum age for treatment. Manufacturers recommend instituting u-hCG therapy for prepubertal cryptorchidism in boys 4–9 years of age.
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Males
Management of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism resulting from pituitary deficiency.
Stimulation of spermatogenesis in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism secondary to pituitary deficiency†. Full response may require concurrent FSH or menotropins therapy†.
Female Infertility
Used in conjunction with follicle-stimulating agent(s) (e.g., menotropins as fixed-combination preparations or separate components, FSH†) to induce ovulation in anovulatory, infertile women in whom anovulation is secondary (e.g., pituitary insufficiency).
Should not be used in infertile women in whom anovulation is due to primary ovarian failure.
Has been used for the treatment of infertility resulting from deficiency of corpus luteum during luteal phase of menstrual cycle†.
Other Uses
Manufacturer states that u-hCG has not been shown to be effective as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of obesity.
Gonadotropin, Chorionic Dosage and Administration
General
Female Infertility
Should be prescribed only by clinicians experienced in infertility treatment and who are familiar with criteria for patient selection and cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with hCG/follicle-stimulating therapy.
Administer follicle-stimulating agent(s) until sufficient follicular maturation (as determined by serum estradiol concentrations and ovary ultrasound examinations) occurs.
When ultrasound assessment and serum estradiol concentrations show sufficient follicular maturation, discontinue follicle-stimulating therapy and administer hCG to complete final follicular maturation and induce ovulation.
Withhold further follicle-stimulating therapy and delay or withhold hCG if ovaries show an excessive response to treatment with gonadotropins b...
