Histrelin implant (Supprelin LA)

What is this medication?

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).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Supprelin LA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• diabetes
• 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

How should I use this medication?

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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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 medication, the implant will be replaced at that time.

What may interact with this medication?

• 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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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
• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision
• 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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

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

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.