Histrelin (Implantation)

Introduction:

Histrelin (his-TREL-in)

Supprelin® LA treats early onset of puberty in children (before 8 years of age in girls and before 9 years of age in boys). Vantas? treats the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. Vantas? does not cure cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Supprelin LA, Vantas

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Implant

• This medicine is an implant that is surgically placed under the skin of the upper arm. Your doctor will treat the arm with numbing medicine and then cut a small incision to insert the implant with a special tool. The incision will be closed either with stitches or surgical strips. A pressure bandage will be placed over the arm and should be left on for 24 hours.
• Do not remove any surgical strips, rather allow them to fall off on their own after several days. If the incision has been stitched, your doctor will remove the stitches, or they will dissolve after several days.
• After the implant is put in place, you or your child should keep the arm clean and dry, and should not swim or bathe for 24 hours. You or your child should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the first 7 days after the implant is put into the arm.
• The implant will be left in place for one year and then removed. If needed, your doctor will then insert a new implant to continue treatment for another year.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Both types of implants:
  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Supprelin® LA implant:
  • This medicine should not be given to children under 2 years of age.
  • This medicine can cause a brief increase in some hormones, and during this time you may notice more signs of puberty in your child, including light vaginal bleeding and breast enlargement in girls. If your child's symptoms do not improve within 4 weeks, or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Vantas? implant:
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have problems with urination.
  • This medicine may cause a rise in your testosterone levels during the first week of treatment. Your symptoms may get worse or you may even have new symptoms. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks.
  • This medicine can decrease bone mineral density, which may lead to osteoporosis or weakened bones. Talk with your doctor about how this risk will affect you.
  • This medicine may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Both types of implants:
  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Bleeding from your stitches.
  • Bruising, bleeding, pain, redness, swelling, or soreness of the skin where the implant was inserted.
  • Implant coming out of the incision.
• Vantas? implant:
  • Bone pain.
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Red or dark brown urine, problems with urination.
  • Shortness of breath while walking, climbing stairs, or exercising.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Both types of implants:
  • Breast pain or swelling.
  • Headache.
  • Scarring.
  • Weight gain.
• Supprelin® LA implant:
  • Changes in monthly periods.
• Vantas? implant:
  • Constipation.
  • Decrease in the size of the testicles.
  • Feeling tired, depressed, dizzy, or irritable.
  • Hot flashes, night sweats.
  • Problems with sex.
  • Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: