HMG is an injectable medication prescribed during controlled ovarian stimulation in artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
Its active ingredient, hMG, is a human gonadotropin obtained from the purification of urine from women in menopause. Its acronym stands for human menopausal gonadotropin.
hMG contains two gonadotrophins: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Its pharmacological action is equivalent to the action of FSH released by the pituitary gland.
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What is hMG for?
HMG is a medicine mainly indicated for the treatment of female infertility:
- Primary or secondary amenorrhea
- Oligomenorrhea
- Anovulation (absence of ovulation)
- Stimulation of follicular development in cases of severe FSH and LH deficiency
- Stimulation of multiple follicular development in IVF.
It is also used for the treatment of male infertility caused by impaired pituitary hormone secretion or lack of response from the testicle. Possible applications include oligospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, azoospermia due to pituitary cause, functional hypogonadism, functional eunuchoidism, and cryptorchidism.
Presentation and price
hMG is composed of 75 IU (international units) of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and 75 IU of luteinizing hormone (LH), so it is commonly referred to as HMG lepori 75. As an excipient it contains 10 mg lactose.
It also contains 1 ml of a sterile physiological solution as a solvent, so it is a lyophilized compound that must be dissolved for administration.
hMG is available in two injectable forms:
- 1 vial: one ampoule of HMG powder and one ampoule of solvent.
- 10 vials: 10 ampoules of HMG-lepori powder and 10 ampoules of solvent
The cost of hMG depends on the type of format required. The pack of one vial costs about 20€ and the pack of 10 vials costs about 149€.
Due to its characteristics, this medicine cannot be obtained without a prescription.
Conservation
Both ampoules should be kept in the original packaging to protect them from light and moisture. Store at a temperature above 25°C.
After mixing the medicine with the solvent, immediate use is recommended. The solution should be clear and colorless, otherwise, it is recommended to discard it. It must never be used after the expiration date indicated on the container.
Administration of HMG-lepori
Treatment should always be started under the supervision of a doctor and in accordance with the prescribed dosage. It can be administered both subcutaneously and intramuscularly by injections in the abdominal area.
The solution to be injected is not prepared, it is necessary to mix the contents of the solvent ampoule with the lyophilized contents (powder):
- Both blisters are opened.
- The needle is placed in the syringe
- The solvent liquid is aspirated into the syringe
- The solvent is poured into the powder ampoule so that they mix
- The mixture is aspirated so that the medication can be applied
If a dose of two ampoules of hMG 75, i.e. 150 IU, is required, an additional step should be taken: pour the mixture into another ampoule of powder and aspirate the mixture to apply the medication. The same would be done if a larger dose is required, as the medication must be administered in a single injection.
Side effects and contraindications
This hormone medication may have the following side effects:
- Abdominal pain
- Pain and redness at the injection site
- Headache
- Pelvic pain
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): in case of symptoms indicating a possible hyperstimulation, consult your doctor to discontinue the medication.
However, allergic reactions and thrombophlebitis are rare after administration of HMG Lepori, as are urinary tract infections or nosebleeds, for example.
Regarding contraindications, HMG Lepori is a drug that is not indicated in pregnancy and lactation. Its use is also not recommended in the presence of evident thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, pituitary tumor, sterility due to non-functional causes, uterine bleeding of unknown origin, history of thromboembolic diseases or ovarian cysts.
All the information published in this article has been extracted from the Vademecum (a treatise containing the composition, indications, side effects, etc. of each of the drugs on the market).
FAQs from users
Can HMG lepori have negative health effects?
Like any medication, HMG lepori may have side effects. These include pain and redness at the injection site, abdominal, head or pelvic pain.
Can I take other medications such as paracetamol while using HMG lepori 75?
No interaction with other drugs has been described, so the use of analgesics such as paractetamol is not contraindicated. However, the physician should be consulted before taking any drug.
Where is HMG lepori injected?
HMG lepori is injected into the abdomen, subcutaneously or intramuscularly, as directed by your physician. Usually, a nurse or doctor at the assisted reproduction center will teach you how to give the injections and the first dose is given in the office to ensure that the medication is used properly. If in doubt, consult your physician.
Recommended reading
If you wish to know the different types of drugs used in assisted reproduction treatments, you can visit the following article: What are the drugs for ovarian stimulation in AI and IVF?
In case you are interested in knowing the price of these medications, I recommend you to click on this link: Prices of hormonal medication in assisted reproduction.
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