Histrelin (Subcutaneous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Supprelin LA
• Vantas

Available Dosage Forms:

• Implant

Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist

Uses for histrelin

Histrelin is a synthetic (man-made) hormone that is similar to a natural hormone that is produced in the brain. Histrelin works in the brain to reduce the blood levels of sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. It is inserted just beneath the skin of the upper arm where it releases small amounts of histrelin in the body every day for 12 months.

Histrelin (Vantas®) is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in adults. It will reduce the level of testosterone, a male hormone, in the blood. Testosterone makes most prostate cancers grow. Histrelin is not a cure for prostate cancer, but it may help relieve the symptoms.

Histrelin (Supprelin® LA) is used to treat central precocious puberty (CPP) in children. CPP is a condition wherein puberty begins at an unusually early age. This usually means puberty occurs before 8 years of age in girls and before 9 years of age in boys.

Histrelin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a trained healthcare professional.

Before using histrelin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For histrelin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to histrelin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

The Vantas® form of histrelin should not be used in children.

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Supprelin® LA in children 2 years of age and older. However, use in children younger than 2 years of age is not recommended. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of Supprelin® LA or Vantas® in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving histrelin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using histrelin with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doc...