HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
Hormone
Also known as: Human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, Novarel, Pregnyl, Chorionic gonadotropin
Approved by at least one major regulator for a defined indication, with published human pharmacokinetics and a prescribing label. Well-characterised does not mean risk-free, read the label warnings.
The Novarel/Pregnyl FDA labels do not report a numeric pharmacokinetic half-life, so none is recorded here. The often-quoted biphasic ~11 h / ~23-37 h terminal half-life could NOT be sourced to an allowed primary source and is deliberately omitted. hCG is a heterodimeric glycoprotein (alpha + beta subunits, ~36-38 kDa); no clean molecular weight is available at an allowed small-molecule source, so molecularWeightDa is null.
Dosed in USP Units/IU, not micrograms. Novarel label: prepubertal cryptorchidism 500-1,000 units up to 4,000 units 3x/week; hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (males) 500-1,000 units 3x/week (or 4,000 units 3x/week for 6-9 months); ovulation induction 5,000-10,000 units one day after last menotropin dose. Kept in original IU units; mcg fields null.
Long-standing FDA-approved product with a regulated label for dosing/storage; label lacks a stated PK half-life.
Lyophilised: Store lyophilized powder at room temperature, 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
Reconstituted: Refrigerate reconstituted product at 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F) and use within 30 days (Novarel)
No FDA boxed warning. Label warnings: risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple births during ovulation induction; arterial thromboembolism reported; may induce precocious puberty when used for cryptorchidism; not to be used for weight loss (no evidence of efficacy for that use).