Pregnyl is a brand name for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced by the human placenta. HCG is administered via intramuscular injection to treat a number of conditions, such as induction of ovulation in women trying to get pregnant. HCG is also used to treat undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) in male children between the ages of 9 and 14, and to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a condition where the testes aren't functioning in adult males.
Mood Changes
Like many hormones, Pregnyl can cause mood changes. Depression, irritability and restlessness have all been noted as side effects of Pregnyl.
Physical Side Effects
Some of the physical side effects of Pregnyl are headache, edema (swelling or water retention) and gynceomastia (swelling of breast tissue) in men.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Women undergoing fertility treatments often take gonadoptropins, drugs that stimulate egg containing follicles to grow. Pregnyl is given to mature the follicles so that the eggs inside will be released (ovulation) or so that the mature eggs can be removed during an egg retrieval. Pregnyl can cause ovarian hyperstimulation in women who have taken fertility drugs, according to a 2005 article in "Human Reproduction." Side effects are ovarian enlargement and possible rupture, abdominal pain, weakness, ascites (fluid within the abdominal cavity), blood clots, reduced urine output, sudden weight gain, and fluid in and around the lungs. Ovarian hyperstimulation is a serious side effect that can result in hospitalization
Side Effects Related to Pre-Exisitng Disease
Pregnyl can cause edema, or fluid retention. Edema can cause problems for people with heart or kidney disease, asthma, migraines or epilepsy, and should be used by these people only when necessary and with caution.
Side Effects in Children
Pregnyl may cause precocious puberty in male children taking the drug to treat undescended testicles.
Injection Site Side Effects
Possible side effects at the injection site include pain, redness, swelling and infection.
Allergic Side Effects
As with any drug, people can be allergic to Pregnyl. Signs of allergic reason are rash, redness around the injection site, shortness of breath, hives or sudden collapse.
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