Histrelin Acetate, Implant

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: hormone

Generic and brand names: histrelin acetate, implant; Vantas; Supprelin LA

What is this medicine used for?

Vantas is placed under the skin of the inside of your upper arm to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider. Supprelin LA is placed under the skin of the inside of the upper arm to treat central precocious puberty (when a child begins to mature too early in life).

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• osteoporosis
• trouble urinating
• tumors in the spine

Females of childbearing age: This medicine should not be given to women. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

Your healthcare provider will numb your arm, make a small cut (incision), and then place this medicine under the skin. The cut will be closed with stitches and covered with a bandage. Keep your arm clean and dry for 24 hours. Do not bathe or swim for 24 hours. Keep the bandage in place for a few days until the cut heals. Avoid heavy lifting and exercise for 7 days. Your healthcare provider will give you complete instructions.

After it is placed under the skin, the medicine stays in your body for 12 months. After 12 months, the implant must be removed. Your healthcare provider may insert a new implant at this time to continue your treatment.

What should I watch out for?

Continued treatment with this medicine may affect bone density. You need to have lab tests regularly to check how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for tests.

Bruising, redness, or swelling may occur on the skin where implants are given. If these reactions are severe or do not go away within 2 weeks, contact your healthcare provider.

Your symptoms may get worse for a few weeks after you get the implant. You may get new symptoms. Talk with your provider about this.

This medicine may work its way out of your arm. If you think the implant is coming out, contact your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): New or worse bone pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, blood in the urine, trouble urinating.

Other: Hot flashes, tiredness, redness or bruising at the implant site, constipation, change in sexual ability or desire, headache, trouble sleeping.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• digoxin (Lanoxin)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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