Gonadotropin, Chorionic and Endocrinopathies

• Generic Name: chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, APL, Profasi, Chorex, Gonic, Hcg, Chorigon, Choron-10

Management of prepubertal cryptorchidism not caused by anatomical obstruction.

Induction of testicular descent usually only temporary; response may be permanent in some patients.

Differential diagnosis (hCG stimulatory test) of cryptorchidism in prepubertal boys to predict whether subsequent orchidopexy will be required. In general, hCG is thought to induce testicular descent in patients in whom descent would have occurred at puberty.

Start corrective therapy for cryptorchidism before pubescence to prevent irreparable testicular damage; opinions differ regarding optimum age for treatment. Manufacturers recommend instituting u-hCG therapy for prepubertal cryptorchidism in boys 4–9 years of age.

Management of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism resulting from pituitary deficiency.

Stimulation of spermatogenesis in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism secondary to pituitary deficiency. Full response may require concurrent FSH or menotropins therapy.

Used in conjunction with follicle-stimulating agent(s) (e.g., menotropins as fixed-combination preparations or separate components, FSH) to induce ovulation in anovulatory, infertile women in whom anovulation is secondary (e.g., pituitary insufficiency).

Should not be used in infertile women in whom anovulation is due to primary ovarian failure.

Has been used for the treatment of infertility resulting from deficiency of corpus luteum during luteal phase of menstrual cycle.

Manufacturer states that u-hCG has not been shown to be effective as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of obesity.