Pregnyl® is an injectable medication that contains a naturally occurring hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Pregnyl® is known as a “trigger shot” because it is prescribed to women as a single injection to induce the final maturation and release of eggs after stimulation with gonadotropin medications (Follistim®, Gonal-f®, or Menopur®) During IVF, it is taken approximately 36 hours prior to egg retrieval to simulate the natural surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation in the normal menstrual cycle. Pregnyl® may also be prescribed to men to increase testosterone and sperm production.
Pregnyl® comes in a vial containing 10,000 units of powdered medication that must be mixed with sterile solvent before injecting. Pregnyl® injections can be injected under the skin (subcutaneous) or into the muscle (intramuscular), as instructed by your doctor.
- Pregnyl® 10,000 units Vial
Common side effects of Pregnyl® include:
- Headaches
- Feeling restless or irritable
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Pain at the injection site
- Breast tenderness or swelling
Some women using Pregnyl® develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during or shortly after treatment. OHSS can be life threatening. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms of OHSS including: severe pelvic pain, abdominal pain and bloating, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, decreased urination, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, including:
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis: Rash swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- Lung problems: Fluid in your lungs, blue lips/fingernails/skin, chest tightness, coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, rapid heartbeat
- Blood clots: Pain, swelling or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Heart attack: Chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: Sudden problems with vision, speech, or walking, numbness on one side of your body or face
- Early puberty in boys: Enlarged testicles and penis, facial hair, deepened voice, acne, rapid increase in height
This is not a complete list of side effects that may occur. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Pregnyl® should be stored at room temperature (59℉ to 86℉) prior to mixing with the sterile solvent. Once mixed, the solution should be stored refrigerated (36℉ to 46℉) for up to 60 days, after which it must be discarded. Do not shake. Do not freeze.
