Chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: APL, Chorex, Chorigon, Choron-10, Gonic, HCG, Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Profasi, Profasi HP

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2025.

Chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) Pregnancy Warnings

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG): Use is contraindicated.
Recombinant Chorionic Gonadotropin (r-HCG): Use should be avoided.

AU TGA pregnancy category:
-HCG: A
-r-HCG: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Risk summary: This drug may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. No data are available on the use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk.

Comment: Some experts recommend: HCG may be used for luteal phase support but should not be used later in pregnancy.

Animal studies have revealed evidence of external congenital abnormalities, intrauterine deaths, impaired parturition, alterations in sex ratio, forelimb defects, and central nervous system defects. Multiple ovulations with plural gestations have been reported following treatment with this drug. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

See references

Chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) Breastfeeding Warnings

Caution is recommended.
-Some experts recommend: Use should be avoided.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Data not available

Comment: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

See references

Further information

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