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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using HCG (Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl)?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to HCG, or if you have:

• early puberty (also called precocious puberty); or
• a hormone-related cancer (such as prostate cancer).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• a thyroid or adrenal gland disorder;
• an ovarian cyst;
• premature puberty;
• cancer or a tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland;
• undiagnosed uterine bleeding;
• heart disease;
• kidney disease;
• epilepsy;
• migraines; or
• asthma.

Although HCG can help you become pregnant, this medication is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that using the medication once you are pregnant can cause birth defects in the baby. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether HCG passes into breast milk. Do not use HCG without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use HCG (Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

HCG is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check you on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Some brands of HCG come in powder form with a separate liquid that you must mix together and draw into a syringe. Other brands are provided in single-dose prefilled syringes.

Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or the liquid has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store the powder form of HCG at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat.

After mixing the powder with the liquid you must keep the mixture in the refrigerator. If you are using the Pregnyl brand of HCG, throw away any mixed medicine that you have not used within 60 days after mixing. If you are using the Novarel brand of HCG, throw away any mixed medicine that you have not used within 30 days after mixing.

Store Ovidrel prefilled syringes in the refrigerator. You may also store Ovidrel at room temperature protected from light, but you must use it within 30 days.

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