Choriogonadotropin Alfa
About Choriogonadotropin Alfa
Choriogonadotropin Alfa belongs to a group of medicines called ‘fertility drugs' used to treat female infertility. Female infertility occurs when a woman who is planning a pregnancy is unable to become pregnant after a year. If a woman gets pregnant but experiences miscarriages or stillbirths, it is also included in infertility.
Choriogonadotropin Alfa contains ‘choriogonadotropin alpha’, which acts by developing and ripening several follicles (containing an egg) and inducing the ovulation procedure (releasing an egg from the ovary). An egg must be released from the ovary to get fertilized by a sperm cell to get pregnant.
Choriogonadotropin Alfa will be administered by a trained healthcare professional; hence do not self-administer. The common side effects of Choriogonadotropin Alfa are headache, pain, and redness at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, inform your doctor immediately if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
It is not recommended if you are allergic to choriogonadotropin alfa or any contents present in it, have a tumor in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (parts of the brain), have ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs in ovaries), have unexplained vaginal bleeding, have cancer of ovaries, womb, or breast, have blood clots in the veins, or have menopause, premature ovarian failure (early menopause or dysfunction of sexual organs). Choriogonadotropin Alfa is not recommended for use in children. Choriogonadotropin Alfa should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Choriogonadotropin Alfa may interact with alcohol and worsen your health condition. Choriogonadotropin Alfa may not affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Choriogonadotropin Alfa
Medicinal Benefits
The Choriogonadotropin Alfa contains ‘choriogonadotropin alpha’ used to treat fertility problems (usually given along with other medicines). It acts by developing and ripening several follicles (containing eggs necessary for fertilization) in women who are undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (a procedure that helps to get pregnant). It also helps to induce the ovulation procedure (releasing an egg from the ovary) in women who are suffering from anovulation (who cannot produce eggs) and oligo-ovulation (who produce few eggs).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Choriogonadotropin Alfa
- Headache
- Pain or redness at the injection site
Drug Warnings
Choriogonadotropin Alfa may cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition in which ovarian follicles develop too much and become large cysts. Also, if you notice abnormal pain, rapid weight gain, difficulty breathing, or feel sick, inform your doctor immediately, as it may be a sign of OHSS. Choriogonadotropin Alfa may increase the risk of multiple pregnancies (pregnancy with more than one child at the same time), birth defects, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), and miscarriage. So, your doctor may advise you to undergo blood tests for estradiol levels and ultrasound throughout the treatment to identify if you have developed any above-mentioned risks associated with Choriogonadotropin Alfa. Before taking Choriogonadotropin Alfa, inform your doctor if you have a history of blood clots in the legs, lungs, or heart attack. Choriogonadotropin Alfa may increase the risk of blood clots and worsen your existing clots. Also, inform your doctor if you have undergone multiple regimens for infertility treatment, Choriogonadotropin Alfa may increase the risk of tumours in the ovaries and other sex organs.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Choriogonadotropin Alfa may interact with a medicine used to treat irregular menstrual periods (gonadorelin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Choriogonadotropin Alfa should not be used in patients who have a tumor in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (parts of the brain), ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs in ovaries), unexplained vaginal bleeding, cancer of ovaries, womb, or breast, blood clotting problems, menopause, early menopause, or dysfunction of sexual organs.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionChoriogonadotropin Alfa may interact with alcohol and worsen your health condition.
Pregnancy
unsafeChoriogonadotropin Alfa is not recommended for use in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, please inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionChoriogonadotropin Alfa should be used with caution as there is no sufficient evidence to establish the safe use of this medicine in breastfeeding mothers. If you are breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving
safe if prescribedChoriogonadotropin Alfa may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionChoriogonadotropin Alfa should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Inform your doctor if you have liver problems before receiving this medicine. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionChoriogonadotropin Alfa should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems before receiving this medicine. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
unsafeChoriogonadotropin Alfa is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise and physical activity. Maintain a healthy weight. Besides this, weight-bearing exercises can help in making your bone strong. Aerobics, yoga, and activities like tai chi may help in relaxing the body and mind.
- Consume a healthy diet, including food rich in antioxidants, fibre-rich foods, and high-fat dairy. Cut down carbs or limit refined carbs.
- Try to be stress-free to improve your mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Limit caffeine intake.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption as these can be risk factors for female infertility.
Special Advise
If you undergo a pregnancy test (blood or urine test) within ten days of using Choriogonadotropin Alfa, there may be a chance of a false-positive test result.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Female Infertility: When a woman cannot become pregnant within a year of trying, the condition is called female infertility. If a woman gets pregnant but experiences miscarriages or stillbirths, it is also included in infertility. It can occur due to ovulation disorders (problems with ovaries), damage to the fallopian tubes, and problems with the uterus or cervix. The risk factors include age, being overweight or obese, smoking, alcoholism, and sexually transmitted infections.
FAQs
Choriogonadotropin Alfa is used to treat female infertility.
Choriogonadotropin Alfa contains ‘choriogonadotropin alpha’, which acts by developing and ripening several follicles (containing an egg) and inducing the ovulation procedure (releasing an egg from the ovary). An egg must be released from the ovary to get fertilized by a sperm cell to get pregnant.Â
If you undergo a blood or urine test to detect pregnancy within ten days of using Choriogonadotropin Alfa, there may be a chance of false-positive test results.
The common side effects of Choriogonadotropin Alfa are headache, pain, and redness at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, inform your doctor immediately if these side effects persist or worsen.
Choriogonadotropin Alfa should not be used in patients who have a tumor in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (parts of the brain), ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs in ovaries), unexplained vaginal bleeding, cancer of ovaries, womb, or breast, blood clotting problems, menopause, premature ovarian failure (early menopause or dysfunction of sexual organs).
In most cases, female infertility can be cured by medicines, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or a combination of these treatments. The doctor will suggest a suitable treatment depending on the cause of infertility.
Choriogonadotropin Alfa is usually administered by a doctor. If you have to take it by yourself, follow the instructions given by your doctor or nurse.
Before taking Choriogonadotropin Alfa, inform your doctor if you are allergic to Choriogonadotropin Alfa, if you have a history of blood clots in the legs, lungs, or heart attack. Also, inform your doctor if you have undergone multiple regimens for infertility treatment as Choriogonadotropin Alfa may increase the risk of tumours in the ovaries and other sex organs. And any past or current medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease, ovarian cysts, or thyroid disorders. And also let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes, Choriogonadotropin Alfa can cause mild pain, tenderness, or tingling at the injection site. This is quite normal for an injection procedure. However, if it persists, please consult your doctor.
Choriogonadotropin Alfa is typically administered subcutaneously (under the skin). The common injection sites include abdomen or front of the thigh.
Yes, there is an increased chance of twins when treated with Choriogonadotropin Alfa. Choriogonadotropin Alfa is used to stimulate ovulation, and it can sometimes lead to the release of more than one egg, which increases the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy. However, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Doctors suggest Choriogonadotropin Alfa for pregnancy because it contains choriogonadotropin alpha, which acts by developing and ripening several follicles (containing an egg) and inducing the ovulation procedure (releasing an egg from the ovary). An egg must be released from the ovary to get fertilized by a sperm cell to get pregnant.
