Type of medicine: hormone
Generic and brand names: histrelin acetate, implant; Vantas; Supprelin LA
Vantas is placed under the skin of the inside of your upper arm to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer. It is for use in men only and should not be used by women or children. 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).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine should not be given to women because it may harm the baby. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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 as directed by your healthcare provider. 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.
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 increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or abnormal heartbeats.
This medicine may work its way out of your arm. If you think the implant is coming out, contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
You may develop diabetes when you take this medicine. If you already have diabetes, it may get worse. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
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.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
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; fast or irregular heartbeat; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; yellowing of your skin or eyes; severe pain, redness, bleeding, or swelling at the implant site that doesn’t go away.
Other: Weight gain, tiredness, mild redness or bruising at the implant site, constipation, changes in menstrual period, hot flashes, redness or bruising at the implant site, mood changes, headache, breast swelling or tenderness, weight gain, change in sexual ability or desire, headache, trouble sleeping.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. 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.
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.
