Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A hormone produced by the chorionic tissue of the placenta and obtained from the urine of
pregnant women. Also found in the body fluids of persons having trophoblastic disease or
embryonic testicular or ovarian cancer. A member of the family of hormones, the
gonadotrophins, which exhibit either (predominantly) follicle- stimulating activity (the
FSH' s) or interstitial cell stimulating activity (the luteinising hormones or LH' s;
ICSH' s). The gonadotrophins are glycoproteins each composed of alpha and beta subunits
which have little or no activity on their own. The alpha subunits are thought to have
essentially identical amino- acid sequences. The beta subunits differ in structure. The
function of these hormones is largely determined by the beta unit. Chorionic
gonadotrophins supplement the hypophysis in maintaining the growth of the corpus luteum
during pregnancy and disappear from maternal circulation after delivery of the placenta.
In the male it stimulates the interstitial cells (Leydig tissue) of the testes and
consequently the secretion of the androgens. Its action is predominantly that of the
luteinising hormone obtained from the pituitary and has been given to stimulate ovulation
after follicular development has been stimulated by follicle- stimulating hormone. It is
also given in the treatment of infertility doe to the absence or low concentrations of
gonadotrophins. Has also been trialled in the treatment of metropathia haemorrhagica, in
the prevention and treatment of habitual abortion, and secondary amenorrhoea. In males has
been used in the treatment of cryptorchidism (failure of the testes to descend into the
scrotal sac) and the treatment of hypogonadism. Normally given by intramuscular injection.
The product of commerce is standardise in international units. One I.U. equals 0.1 mg of a
standardised powder.

SYNONYMS

choriogonadotropin, "human chorionic gonadotropin", choriogonin, "chorionic gonadotropic
hormone", "pregnancy-urine hormone", "luteinising hormone", "luteinizing hormone",
Ambinin, "Antuitrin S", APL, Apoidina, Chorigon, Choriogoin, Chorulon, "Coriantin
Endocorion", Follutein, Gonabion, Gonadex, HCG, LH, Korotrin, Physex, Praedyn, Pregnyl,
Primogonyl, PU, Randonos, Synaphorin

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Gonad-regulating hormones include the gonadotrophin glycoproteins and gonadorelin and its polypeptide analogues. They are usually administered parenterally to control the level of circulating sex hormones. These hormones stimulate the synthesis and releasing of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone in the pituitary gland. Adverse effects of therapy include nausea and abdominal pain or discomfort, disturbances of the digestive system, hot flushes, mood change, nausea, vomiting, constipation, as well as headache and lightheadedness. Joint, bone and muscle pain may also appear. Other symptoms include muscle spasms, blurred vision, itching rashes, fever, chills, dry skin, hair loss,  changes in skin pigmentation and incontinence. Increased levels of circulating luteinising hormone may produce precocious puberty and enlarged breasts (gynaecomastia) and an increase in menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).  Serious but comparatively rare health effects associated with treatment include angina, changes in heart rate, myocardial infarction and other potentially fatal cardiac effects, anaemia and other blood disorders, loss of sensation in the hands and feet, memory loss, blackouts and taste disorders.  Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Local and generalised skin rash has also been reported after chronic administration. Bronchospasm may also occur. Anaphylactoid reactions may include hypotension, fever, chills, mental confusion and wheezing.  Tumour flare has also been reported in the initial stages of treatment for cancer of the prostate. In addition, increased bone pain, a worsening of urinary symptoms with haematuria and urinary obstruction, and weakness and paraesthesia of the lower limbs may be present during treatment of patients with prostatic cancer. Anti-androgens may reduce these symptoms.  Reproductive system disorders including hot flushes, impotence, decreased libido, decreases in testicular size, atrophic genitalia and swollen or painful breasts have also been reported.  Evidence of teratogenic effects (often specific abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system) and foetotoxicity has been produced in several studies.  Exposure to small quantities may induce hypersensitivity reactions characterized by acute bronchospasm, hives (urticaria), deep dermal wheals (angioneurotic edema), running nose (rhinitis) and blurred vision . Anaphylactic shock and skin rash (non-thrombocytopenic purpura) may occur. An individual may be predisposed to such anti-body mediated reaction if other chemical agents have caused prior sensitization (cross-sensitivity).