Histrelin

Generic name: Histrelin (implant)
Dosage form: subcutaneous implant (50 mg)

Usage of Histrelin

Histrelin overstimulates the body's own production of certain hormones, which causes that production to shut down temporarily.

The Supprelin LA brand of histrelin is used to treat precocious puberty in both male and female children who are at least 2 years old.

The Vantas brand of histrelin is used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men. Vantas treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.

Histrelin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Histrelin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Histrelin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

bone pain, numbness or weakness in your legs or feet;

painful or difficult urination, blood in your urine;

a seizure;

increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or

mental problems--crying spells, anger, aggression, feeling restless or irritable.

Common side effects of histrelin may include:

constipation;

urination problems;

breast swelling;

hot flashes;

feeling tired;

erectile dysfunction (impotence), decreased testicle size; or

pain, redness, bruising, swelling, or skin irritation where the implant was inserted.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Histrelin

You should not be treated with histrelin if you are allergic to histrelin or to similar hormone medications such as Leuprolide, nafarelin, ganirelix, Eligard, Lupron, Viadur, and others.

Do not use histrelin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause a miscarriage. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Vantas should not be used in women or children.

To make sure Supprelin LA is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

mental illness or psychosis;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

a tumor or blood vessel disorder in your brain; or

if you take a medicine that can cause seizures (such as an antidepressant).

To make sure Vantas is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

diabetes;

heart problems, heart attack, or stroke;

long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

low bone mineral density (osteoporosis); or

a condition affecting your spine.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Supprelin LA should not be used in a child younger than 2 years old. Vantas is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How to use Histrelin

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

VANTAS: One 50 mg implant inserted suBCutaneously in the inner aspect of the upper arm Duration of therapy: The implant should be removed after 12 months.NOTE: The implant is designed to allow for a few additional weeks of drug release to allow flexibility of medical appointments); when an implant is removed, another implant may be inserted to continue therapy.Use: Vantas: Palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer

Usual Pediatric Dose for Precocious Puberty:

SUPPRELIN LA: 2 years and older:One 50 mg implant inserted subcutaneously in the inner aspect of the upper arm Duration of therapy: The implant should be removed after 12 months.NOTE: When an implant is removed, another implant may be inserted to continue therapy.Comments: -Discontinuation of therapy should be considered at the discretion of the physician and at the appropriate time point for the onset of puberty (approximately 11 years for females and 12 years for males).Use:Supprelin LA: Treatment of children with central precocious puberty

Warnings

Histrelin can harm an unborn baby or cause a miscarriage. Do not use if you are pregnant.

Histrelin can cause side effects such as crying spells, anger, aggression, and feeling restless or irritable. Call your doctor if you have any new or worsening mental problems.

What other drugs will affect Histrelin

Other drugs may affect histrelin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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