Histrelin implant (Supprelin LA)

What is this medicine?

HISTRELIN (his TREL in) is used to treat central precocious puberty. The implant contains a drug that is like a natural hormone in the body called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is placed under the skin of your arm by a health care professional in a clinic or office. After the implant is placed, keep the insertion site clean and dry for 24 hours. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 7 days after implant insertion. The surgical strips over the site should be allowed to fall off on their own over several days. The implant must be removed after 12 months. At this time, a new implant may be inserted to continue therapy.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• depressed mood

• pain at the insertion site

• seizures

• severe headache

• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• redness or irritation at the insertion site

What may interact with this medicine?

• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections

• herbal or dietary supplements, like black cohosh or DHEA

• male hormones, like testosterone

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• prasterone

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. After 1 year, the implant will have to be removed. If you need to continue this medicine, the implant will be replaced at that time.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• mental illness

• seizures

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• an unusual or allergic reaction to histrelin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. During the first few weeks, the symptoms of puberty may get worse, but then will start to get better as treatment is continued. Check with your doctor if they do not start to get better after several weeks.

Rarely, the implant can be expelled from the body through the original incision site. You may notice the implant being expelled, or rarely, the implant may be expelled without your noticing it. If you believe the implant has been expelled from your body, call your doctor.