HISTRELIN - IMPLANT

HISTRELIN - IMPLANT

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (HISS-treh-lin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Supprelin LA, Vantas

GENERIC NAME(S): histrelin acetate

Uses

USES: Histrelin is used in men to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Histrelin works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment. Histrelin is also used in children to treat early puberty (central precocious puberty). It helps to slow abnormally fast bone development so that height and growth rate are near normal and to stop or reverse signs of early puberty (such as breast/pubic hair growth in girls, pubic hair growth in boys). Histrelin works by reducing the amount of testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls. This medication is used until the doctor decides it is time for puberty to resume.


How to use HISTRELIN - IMPLANT

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the histrelin implant. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. Your doctor will surgically place the medicated implant under the skin of your upper arm. The implant releases histrelin into your blood slowly and continuously over 12 months. After 12 months, your doctor will remove the implant and replace it with a new one. Consult your doctor for details. It is very important to keep the bandage in place for several days until the surgical incision heals. Keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid bathing and swimming for 24 hours after the procedure. Also avoid any heavy lifting, bumping of the incision site, or physical activity for 7 days after the procedure. When you first start this medication, new or worsening symptoms may occur. This is a normal response by your body to this drug. Such symptoms should get better after the first month of treatment. Girls being treated for early puberty may notice vaginal bleeding or an increase in breast size or pubic hair. Boys being treated for early puberty may notice an increase in pubic hair. Tell the doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen after 1 month. New or worsening symptoms may also occur at the beginning of treatment for prostate cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects: bone pain, numbness/tingling/weakness of the arms/legs, blood in the urine, painful/difficult urination, unusual weakness, inability to move. If you have prostate cancer that has spread to the spine or caused problems urinating due to blockage, you may require closer monitoring by your doctor, especially when you first start treatment.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Irritation at the implant site (such as bruising, pain, redness), mood swings, or headache may occur. In men using this medication for prostate cancer, hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, tiredness, swelling of the ankles/feet, or constipation may occur. In girls using this medication for early puberty, breast tenderness or abnormal vaginal bleeding may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Infrequently, breast tenderness/swelling may occur in men and boys as a result of lowered testosterone levels. Shrinking of the testicles and reduced sexual interest/ability may also occur in men. Talk to your doctor if these effects occur. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. If you are a man using this medication for prostate cancer, tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: new/worsening bone pain, easily broken bones, increased thirst/urination. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, seizures. Rarely, a very serious problem with the pituitary gland (pituitary apoplexy) has been reported with similar drugs, usually in the first 2 weeks after starting treatment. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: sudden severe headache, sudden severe mental/mood changes (e.g., severe confusion, difficulty concentrating), vision changes, severe vomiting, fainting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using histrelin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (e.g., leuprolide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart disease (such as heart attack), stroke, high cholesterol, seizures. If you are a man using this medication for prostate cancer, histrelin may weaken your bones and increase your risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have osteoporosis or if you have any of the following risk factors for osteoporosis: long-term alcohol use, smoking, family history of osteoporosis and broken bones, use of certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids such as prednisone, certain anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin). Histrelin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using histrelin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using histrelin safely. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above). This product is not approved for use in women. Histrelin must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for details.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This implant may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has swallowed it and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for HISTRELIN - IMPLANT

Histrelin implant is used to treat children with early onset puberty and men with advanced prostate cancer.

Histrelin implant works by reducing the production of certain hormones in the body that can cause early onset puberty or contribute to the growth of prostate cancer.

The Histrelin implant is typically effective for about one year in children with early onset puberty and for up to one year in men with advanced prostate cancer.

The Histrelin implant has been proven to be safe and effective in clinical trials, but like any medication, it may have some potential side effects. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

The Histrelin implant is inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare professional. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia.

Common side effects of the Histrelin implant may include hot flashes, headache, increased sweating, decreased sexual desire, and fatigue. However, not everyone experiences these side effects.

Yes, the Histrelin implant can be removed by a healthcare professional if necessary. It is important to consult with your doctor before considering removal.

No, the Histrelin implant should not be used during pregnancy. It is important to use effective contraception while using this medication to avoid pregnancy.

Histrelin implant may interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.