Chorionic Gonadotropin (Human) Drugbank ID : DB09126 Description : Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a polypeptide hormone produced by the human placenta. Endogenously produced HCG interacts with the LHCG receptor of the ovary and promotes the maintenance of the corpus luteum during the beginning of pregnancy. This allows the corpus luteum to continuously secrete the hormone progesterone during the first trimester, which is required for maintenance of the uterus and prevents menstruation. In males, HCG also stimulates the production of gonadal steroid hormones by stimulating the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) of the testis to produce androgens. HCG 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), while the beta sub­ units of these hormones differ in amino acid sequence. As a drug product, chorionic gonadotropin is a highly purified pyrogen-free preparation obtained from the urine of pregnant females.

Indication : For the treatment of prepubertal cryptorchidism (not due to anatomical obstruction), for the treatment of selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (hypogonadism secondary to a pituitary deficiency) in males and for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory, infertile woman in whom the cause of anovulation is secondary and not due to primary ovarian failure, and who has been appropriately pretreated with human menotropins. Pharmacodynamics : he 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.

Categories : Hormones Patents : US6706681 Targets :Lutropin-choriogonadotropic hormone receptor Brands : Ovidrel Company : Emd Serono Formulation : Each Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe is filled with 0.515 mL containing 257.5 μg of choriogonadotropin alfa, 28.1 mg mannitol, 505 μg 85% O-phosphoric acid, 103 μg L-methionine, 51.5 μg Poloxamer 188, Sodium Hydroxide (for pH adjustment), and Water for Injection to deliver 250 μg of choriogonadotropin alfa in 0.5 mL. The pH of the solution is 6.5 to 7.5. Form : Injection, solution Route of administration : Subcutaneous

Dosage : Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe 250 μg should be administered one day following the last dose of the follicle stimulating agent. Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe should not be administered until adequate follicular development is indicated by serum estradiol and vaginal ultrasonography. Contraindication : Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe (choriogonadotropin alfa injection) is contraindicated in women who exhibit:Prior hypersensitivity to hCG preparations or one of their excipients.Primary ovarian failure.Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction.An uncontrolled organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor.Abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin (see “Selection of Patients”).Ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin (see “Selection of Patients”).Sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs.Pregnancy. Side effects : Redness or pain at the injection site, mild abdominal pain, mood changes, or mild nausea/vomiting may occur.

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