Pergonal, n. Med.
(pɜːˈgəʊnæl)
[f. per-1 + gonadotrophin n. + -al after Nembutal n., veronal n., etc.]
A proprietary name for various hormonal preparations, spec. for a preparation of human menopausal gonadotrophin, containing a mixture of FSH and luteinizing hormone, which is given by injection as a treatment for infertility in women and men deficient in gonadotrophin.
| 1963 Official Gaz. (U.S. Patent Office) 14 May tm66/1 Pergonal... For hormonal preparations used in the treatment of human endocrine conditions. First use on or before Jan. 1, 1962. 1964 Lancet 30 May 1197/2 We are indebted to Dr. Hayes, of the Cutter Laboratories, Berkeley, California, for a liberal supply of ‘Pergonal’. 1966 Trade Marks Jrnl. 30 Dec. 1846/2 Pergonal-500. 1969 Daily Tel. 13 Feb. 20/6 Mrs. Maureen Tucker,..who was treated with the fertility drug Pergonol [sic], gave birth to triplets..yesterday. 1977 Private Eye 13 May 14/1 They have found that an extract from the urine of Italian nuns, called Pergonal, allows infertile women to have babies without the risk of multiple births. 1987 Oxf. Textbk. Med. (ed. 2) I. x. 15/2 The total dose of Pergonal is increased at monthly intervals till ovulation occurs. |