home > drugs a-z list > supprelin la (histrelin acetate subcutaneous implant) drug center > supprelin la (histrelin acetate subcutaneous implant) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Supprelin LA, Vantas

Generic Name: histrelin (implant) (Pronunciation: his TREL in)

• What is histrelin (Supprelin LA)?
• What are the possible side effects of histrelin (Supprelin LA)?
• What is the most important information I should know about histrelin (Supprelin LA)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive histrelin (Supprelin LA)?
• How is histrelin given (Supprelin LA)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Supprelin LA)?
• What happens if I overdose (Supprelin LA)?
• What should I avoid after receiving a histrelin implant (Supprelin LA)?
• What other drugs will affect histrelin (Supprelin LA)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is histrelin (Supprelin LA)?

Histrelin is a man-made form of a hormone that regulates many processes in the body. 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.

The Vantas brand of histrelin is used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men and should not be used in women or children. Histrelin treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself. Use any other medications your doctor has prescribed to best treat your condition.

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

What are the possible side effects of histrelin (Supprelin LA)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe numbness or tingling in your legs or feet;
• muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination;
• loss of bladder or bowel control;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling in your hands or feet; or
• nausea, vomiting, loss or appetite, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• tired feeling;
• weight gain or loss;
• pain or swelling in your testicles;
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm;
• breast swelling or tenderness;
• night sweats, feeling hot or cold;
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• headache, dizziness, depressed mood;
• stomach pain, constipation; or
• joint or muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about histrelin (Supprelin LA)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to histrelin or other medications that affect gonadotropin hormones. The Supprelin LA brand of histrelin is used to treat precocious puberty in children. The Vantas brand of histrelin is used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men and should not be used in women or children.

Before you receive histrelin, tell your doctor if you have painful or difficult urination, osteoporosis, or a condition affecting your spine.

Histrelin can cause a miscarriage or birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

You may have a temporary increase in symptoms of your condition for a week or so after you have received the histrelin implant. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms become severe.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination, loss of bladder or bowel control, urinating more or less than usual, fast or pounding heartbeats, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, feeling short of breath, swelling in your hands or feet, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

A histrelin implant is usually left in place for 12 months and then removed. Your doctor will determine at that time whether you need to receive another implant for treatment of your symptoms.

If you are using histrelin to treat prostate cancer, use any other medications your doctor has prescribed to best treat your condition. Histrelin treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.