Drug Notes

Histrelin (Injection)

Histrelin (his-TREL-in)

Treats the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. This medicine does not cure cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Vantas

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine is an implant that is surgically placed under the skin of your upper arm. Your doctor will treat your arm with numbing medicine and then cut a small incision to insert the the implant with a special tool. Your incision will be closed either with stitches or surgical tape. A pressure bandage will be placed over your arm and should be left on for 24 hours.
• Do not remove the surgical tape until it falls off on its own after several days. If your incision has been stitched, your doctor will remove the stitches, or they will dissolve after several days.
• After the implant is put in place, do not swim, bathe, or get your arm wet for 24 hours. Do not do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the first 7 days after the implant is put into your 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 your 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:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are unable to urinate.
• This medicine may cause a rise in your testosterone levels during the first week of treatment.
• 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.
• This medicine can cause decreases in 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:

• Bleeding from your stitches.
• Bleeding, pain, or redness of your skin where the implant was inserted.
• Blood in your urine, problems with urination.
• Bone pain.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• Numbness or weakness in your legs or feet.
• Shortness of breath while walking, climbing stairs, or exercising.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• You are able to see the implant through the incision.

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

• Breast pain or swelling.
• Constipation, stomach pain, nausea.
• Decrease in the size of your testicles.
• Feeling tired, depressed, dizzy, or irritable.
• Hot flashes, night sweats.
• Itching, bruising, or swelling of your skin where the implant was inserted.
• Joint or muscle pain
• Problems with sex.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Weight gain, increased appetite.

Last Updated: 6/12/2013