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Human chorionic gonadotropin

Other names: HCG, Ovidrel

The FAA's guidance for human chorionic gonadotropin depends on what it is taken for. Each use is below, with its own FAA source and date.

Taken for low testosterone (hypogonadism)

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

7 days

initial ground trial when starting

Examiner

CACI: the examiner can issue when the condition's worksheet criteria are met. Applicants for first- or second-class must provide the worksheet's information annually; applicants for third-class with each required exam

Source: FAA, CACI – Low Testosterone (Low T) Hypogonadism Worksheet. FAA date 29 April 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

For low testosterone (hypogonadism), the FAA's CACI worksheet lists human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) among the medications for the condition and says it requires a 7-day initial ground trial.

Track your medications
Compare FAA documents: human chorionic gonadotropinWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen

The FAA's table lists it among the treatments of its row B, which goes to that worksheet: it requires a complete blood count (CBC) and a current, detailed clinical progress note from the treating physician or a completed Low T status summary, and the examiner issues if the pilot meets all the CACI worksheet criteria and is otherwise qualified.

  • 7 days after starting: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: human chorionic gonadotropinThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, CACI – Low Testosterone (Low T) Hypogonadism Worksheet · FAA date 29 April 2026
Medications for condition (one or more of the following):
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Requires a 7-day initial ground trial
FAA, Low Testosterone (Low T) Hypogonadism · FAA date 29 April 2026
LOW TESTOSTERONE (LOW T) HYPOGONADISM
B. Treated with one or more of the following:
Anastrozole
Clomiphene citrate
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Testosterone (Oral or Injectable)
Testopel
Tamoxifen
See the CACI - Hypogonadism Worksheet.
This requires a complete blood count (CBC) lab AND a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note from the treating physician OR a completed Low Testosterone (Low T) Hypogonadism Status Summary
If the pilot meets all CACI worksheet criteria and is otherwise qualified:
ISSUE
Sources and dates: human chorionic gonadotropinTwo FAA documents, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked themOpen

Taken for infertility or IVF (Ovidrel)

human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (recombinant)

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

48 hours

after the first dose

Source: FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference). FAA date 1 October 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's MedGuide lists human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (recombinant) (Ovidrel) as allowed, for infertility or in-vitro fertilization (IVF), with a wait of 48 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.

More detail: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (recombinant)The rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

The MedGuide defines allowed as acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present, and says wait times are not determined solely by the medication: an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.

  • 48 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (recombinant)The official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Generic: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (recombinant)
Brand Name: Ovidrel
Drug Class: Gonadotropin; Ovulation Stimulator
Underlying Condition: Infertility; In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 48 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
ALLOWED: The medication is acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Underlying Condition: Evaluating medication use requires considering the impact of safety of flight from both the medication and underlying condition. Wait times are not determined solely by the medication; an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.
Sources and dates: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (recombinant)One FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

Taking it for something else? The entries here do not cover that use. The FAA may address it in the guidance for your condition. Ask your examiner.

See also

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.