hCG exerts its effects by binding to LH receptors in the body, triggering hormonal responses essential for reproductive processes:

1. Ovulation Induction:
   • In women, hCG binds to LH receptors on mature ovarian follicles, mimicking the natural LH surge that triggers ovulation.
   • It promotes the final maturation of the oocyte (egg) and the release of the egg from the ovary.
2. Corpus Luteum Support:
   • After ovulation, hCG supports the corpus luteum (the residual ovarian follicle), stimulating progesterone production to maintain the uterine lining for potential embryo implantation.
3. Testosterone Stimulation in Men:
   • In males, hCG binds to LH receptors in the testes, stimulating Leydig cells to produce testosterone. This is critical for spermatogenesis and treating hypogonadism.
4. Cryptorchidism Management:
   • In prepubertal boys, hCG stimulates testicular descent by increasing testosterone production.

Choriomon is prescribed for the following conditions:

1. Female Infertility:
   • Ovulation Induction: Used in conjunction with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or clomiphene citrate to trigger ovulation in women undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
   • Luteal Phase Support: Supports progesterone production to maintain early pregnancy.
2. Male Hypogonadism:
   • Stimulates testosterone production in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (low testosterone due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction).
3. Cryptorchidism:
   • Promotes testicular descent in boys with undescended testes not caused by anatomical obstruction.
4. Diagnostic Use:
   • Confirmation of pregnancy (via urine or blood tests).
   • Evaluation of testicular function in men.

The dosage of hCG varies depending on the condition being treated. Always follow the prescribing physician’s instructions.

Common Dosages:

• Ovulation Induction:
  • 5,000–10,000 IU intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SC) as a single dose once ovarian follicles are mature (confirmed via ultrasound).
• Luteal Phase Support:
  • 1,500–5,000 IU IM/SC every 3–4 days, starting after ovulation.
• Male Hypogonadism:
  • 1,000–4,000 IU IM/SC 2–3 times weekly.
• Cryptorchidism:
  • 1,000–5,000 IU IM 2–3 times weekly for 4–6 weeks.

Administration Tips:

• Administer via IM or SC injection. Rotate injection sites to minimize tissue irritation.
• For fertility treatments, timing is critical; hCG is typically given 36 hours before procedures like IUI or egg retrieval.

hCG is generally safe when used appropriately, but side effects may occur:

Common Side Effects:

• Injection site pain, redness, or swelling
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Mild ovarian enlargement (in women)
• Mood swings

Rare but Serious Side Effects:

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by rapid ovarian enlargement, ascites, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Thromboembolic Events: Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
• Precocious Puberty: In boys receiving hCG for cryptorchidism.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, or anaphylaxis (rare).

If severe side effects occur, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.

Before using hCG, inform your healthcare provider if you have:

• Ovarian cysts or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• History of blood clots or thromboembolism
• Thyroid or adrenal gland disorders
• Prostate cancer (in men)
• Allergies to hCG or any component of the formulation

Special Populations:

• Pregnancy: hCG is naturally produced during pregnancy. Exogenous hCG is contraindicated in pregnancy unless used for luteal phase support under strict medical supervision.
• Breastfeeding: Safety during breastfeeding is not established.
• Pediatric Use: Restricted to cryptorchidism management in boys; monitor for premature puberty.

hCG may interact with other medications, altering their effects:

1. Gonadotropins (FSH/LH):
   • Concurrent use increases the risk of OHSS in women.
2. Corticosteroids:
   • May reduce the therapeutic effect of hCG.
3. Anticoagulants:
   • hCG may enhance the risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners like warfarin.
4. Hormonal Contraceptives:
   • May interfere with ovulation induction.
5. Thyroid Hormones:
   • hCG can weakly stimulate thyroid receptors, potentially altering thyroid function tests.

Generic Names in Pharmacy

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
• Chorionic gonadotropin