Gonasi (human chorionic gonadotropin)

• In men gonasi, on its own or together with an FSH-containing product, can be used when there is too little development of the sexual glands, delayed puberty or when there are problems with the formation of sperm.
• In some cases gonasi can also be given to boys in whom one or both testes has not descended.

How does it work?

gonasi contains a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotrophin (or simply hCG) which belongs to a group of medicines called gonadotropins. gonasi has been obtained from the urine of pregnant women. HCG has the same effect on the body as luteinising hormone (LH) which is produced in the pituitary gland of men and women. Together with another pituitary hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH controls the action of the reproductive organs (ovaries in women and testis in men). These hormones are necessary for the normal growth and ripening of egg cells and sperm.

When and how do I take it?

gonasi is given as an injection.

• Prior to use, the dry powder should be dissolved with the solvent contained in the ampoule with fluid.
• This medicine can be injected into muscles (only to be given by a doctor or a nurse) for instance in the buttock, upper leg or upper arm or just under the skin (in the abdominal wall, for example). In the last case, you or your partner may give the injections yourselves.
• Your doctor will tell you when and how to do this.

What’s the dose?

• In female patients one injection is usually given for ovulation induction and a maximum of 3 injections for luteal phase support.
• In male patients injections are given several times a week for some weeks or months, depending on the problem. Because the development of sperm cells takes about 74 days, treatment should be continued for at least three months before any improvement can be expected.
• If you have the impression that the effect of gonasi is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor immediately.

Could it interact with other tablets?

• Interactions of gonasi with other medicines have not been investigated; interactions with commonly used medicines can therefore not be excluded.
• Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Herbal products should also only be taken after talking with your doctor.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Like all medicines, gonasi can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them:

• Reactions at the site of injection, such as bruising, pain, redness, swelling and itching, have been reported.
• Occasionally allergic reactions have been reported, these mostly involve pain and rash at the injection site. In rare cases generalized reactions such as rash and fever may occur.

If you are a woman:

• If your ovaries have been excessively stimulated by an FSH-containing preparation and gonasi is given, it may lead to unwanted overstimulation of the ovaries. This may be noticed as pain in the abdomen attended with nausea or diarrhoea. This condition is rare, and the risk can be minimised by careful monitoring of egg cell development during treatment. So contact your doctor without delay if you are experiencing significant abdominal pain, also if this occurs some days after the last injection has been given.
• Rarely, blood clots may occur without unwanted overstimulation of the ovaries.

If you are a man:

• In men fluid may be retained in the tissues, usually marked by swelling of ankles or feet, and occasionally enlargement of the breast may occur. This can be caused by an increased androgen production by treatment with hCG. If any of these signs appear, tell your doctor immediately. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
• If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

There are no known interactions between alcohol and gonasi

Always ask you doctor or pharmacist however as other medications you are taking may have a bearing on this.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

gonasi may be used for luteal phase support but should not be used later during pregnancy.

gonasi must not be used during lactation.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/pregnancy/a7383/gonasi-chorionic-gonadotrophin/

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/gonasi.html

http://xpil.medicines.org.uk/ViewPil.aspx?DocID=8230

https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/gonasi/gonasi_pi.pdf

http://www.rxlist.com/gonasi-drug.htm