Pregnyl® Trigger for Fertility Treatment
When a woman wants to become pregnant but has been unable to due to a condition such as anovulation or PCOS, or her ovaries are unable to release eggs, then a clinician may opt to use a drug called a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to help induce ovulation.
In cases such as these, one of the drugs that is commonly chosen is called Pregnyl®. This guide will give you a better idea of what Pregnyl® is, how it works, and what you can expect when taking it.
What Is Pregnyl®?
Pregnyl® is the brand name for human chorionic gonadotropin, a human pregnancy polypeptide hormone that is used in some fertility treatment protocols. The medication is sometimes used in concert with other hormones like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Pregnyl® works by mimicking the action of the luteinizing hormone, which causes the release of the egg from the ovary.
When is Pregnyl® Used?
Pregnyl® injections are used in fertility treatments to help stimulate follicles to maturity, so that ovulation can occur. It is most often prescribed to women who are undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, or those who may be having difficulty getting pregnant due to problems with their natural ovulation. Pregnyl® is also used by fertility doctors to stimulate superovulation (the release of more than one egg per month), in women who may be facing biological-clock concerns.
For women receiving IVF treatment, the Pregnyl® injections are given only after the follicles have developed adequately through daily injections of FSH, or FSH and LH.
Dosage and Administration of Pregnyl®
Pregnyl® is an injectable solution that gets injected into a muscle, such as the buttocks or thigh. The exact dosage depends on the indication for use and other factors such as the patient’s age and weight. However, for women undergoing IVF treatment, the normal dose is an injection of 5000 to 10,000 USP units. Some providers recommend completing a subcutaneous injection after mixing the Pregnyl®. Please remember to follow the treatment protocol created by your Reproductive Endocrinologist.
The patient is usually advised to have sexual intercourse on the day of the Pregnyl® injection, and the day after. After the initial dose, subsequent doses can be administered up to three times in the following nine days, if necessary.
Special Precautions for Using Pregnyl®
Pregnyl® may increase androgen production, and therefore cause fluid retention. As a result, it should be used with extra caution in women who are diagnosed with cardiac or renal disease. It should also be used with caution in women who suffer from migraines, asthma, or migraines. Pregnyl® should be avoided in women with known allergies to it, or those who have had previous allergic reactions to other hCGs.
Possible Side Effects of Pregnyl®
In some patients, Pregnyl® injections may cause side effects. The most common side effects reported with the use of Pregnyl® include headache, restlessness, fatigue, depression, and edema.
Some patients may also experience local site reactions, such as redness, swelling, itching, and pain at the injection site.
Proper Storage and Disposal of Pregnyl®
Pregnyl® should be stored in its original box at room temperature (15°C–30°C or 59°F–86°F) prior to reconstitution. Once mixed, the solution can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 60 days. Do not store in the freezer. Keep this medication out of the reach of children, and do not keep the medication beyond its expiration date or in cases where it is no longer needed. Dispose any unused medication in the garbage and any needles or syringes in a safe manner.
Meta: Learn more about Pregnyl®, the brand name for human chorionic gonadotropin, a human pregnancy polypeptide hormone used in fertility treatment protocols.
Sources:
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/Pregnyl® /Pregnyl® _pi.pdf
https://www.merckconnect.com/Pregnyl® /dosing-administration/?#ssi-safety
https://www.ccrmivf.com/medication-teaching/medication-teaching-novarel-or-Pregnyl® -ccrm/
