Histrelin: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Histrelin is used in men to treat late-stage prostate cancer. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Histrelin works to reduce the amount of testosterone the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination.

1. What does Histrelin do?

Histrelin is used to treat advanced prostate cancer, it is also used to treat early puberty in children. Histrelin helps slow abnormally rapid bone growth so that height and growth rates return to near-normal levels and to stop or show signs of a reversal of early puberty (such as pubic and breast hair growth). girls, pubic hair growth in boys).
Histrelin works by reducing the amount of testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls. The medicine is used until the doctor decides it is time for puberty to continue.
Histrelin is indicated in the following cases:
Advanced form of prostate cancer. Early puberty Histrelin is contraindicated in the following cases:
Cancer metastases to the spine Diabetes High cholesterol Low blood magnesium Low blood potassium level Overweight High blood pressure A heart attack QT interval Persistent on ECG Chronic heart failure Abnormal electrocardiogram at birth with QT changes Stroke Pregnancy Smoking Increased risk of cardiovascular events Suicidal thoughts Depression Low seizure threshold Convulsions

2. How to use Histrelin

Your doctor will surgically place the drugged implant under the skin of your arm. The implant releases histrelin into your bloodstream slowly and continuously for 12 months. After 12 months, the doctor will remove the implant and replace it with a new implant. It's important to keep the bandage in place for a few days until the incision heals. Keep the incision clean and dry and avoid bathing and swimming for 24 hours after the procedure. Also, avoid heavy lifting, bumping into the incision, or physical activity for 7 days after the procedure. When you first start taking Histrelin, new symptoms or worsening of old symptoms may occur. This is a normal response to your body's medicine Histrelin. Such symptoms should be relieved after the first month of treatment. Girls who are being treated for precocious puberty may notice vaginal bleeding or an increase in breast size or pubic hair growth. Guys undergoing treatment for precocious puberty may notice an increase in pubic hair. Tell your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen after 1 month of using Histrelin. New symptoms or worsening of old symptoms may also occur when treatment for prostate cancer is started. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects: Bone pain, numbness/tingling/weakness in arms/legs, blood in urine, painful/difficult urination, unusual weakness, can not move. You may need to be watched more closely by your doctor, especially when you first start using Histrelin if you have prostate cancer that has spread to your spine or is causing problems with urination due to a blockage. .

3. Side effects of the drug Histrelin

When using Histrelin, irritation at the implant site (such as bruising, pain, redness), mood swings, or headaches may occur. In men using this medicine for prostate cancer, hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, fatigue, swelling ankles/feet or constipation. In girls using the drug Histrelin to treat precocious puberty, there may be breast tenderness or abnormal vaginal bleeding. If any of these Histrelin side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor right away. Rarely, breast engorgement/swelling may occur in men and boys due to high levels of breast cancer. testosterone decreased. Retracted testicles and decreased sexual interest/ability can also occur in men while taking Histrelin. Remember that your doctor has prescribed Histrelin because they have assessed its benefits. gives you greater risk of side effects. Many people use Histrelin without serious side effects. If you are a man taking Histrelin for prostate cancer, tell your doctor right away if you have any side effects. Any serious side effects of Histrelin, including: New/severe bone pain, brittle bones, increased thirst/urination. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects. side effects of Histrelin, including: Chest/jaw/left arm pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, seizures. Rarely, a problem Very serious problems with the pituitary gland (pituitary adenoma) have been reported with Histrelin-like medicines, usually during the first 2 weeks after starting treatment. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects of Histrelin occur: Sudden, severe headache, severe sudden mental/mood changes (e.g. Severe confusion , difficulty concentrating), vision changes, severe vomiting, fainting. A very serious allergic reaction to the medicine Histrelin is very rare. However, if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Histrelin, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing Get medical help right away. Here are the Histrelin side effects by likelihood: Common Histrelin side effects include:
Low energy Temporary blushing of the face and neck Bruising A local response to the placement of the rod. Drug-induced hot flashes Uncommon side effects of Histrelin include:
Depression Behavioral problems Hypersensitivity reactions to the drug Pain Scars forming on the skin Changes in sexual preferences Constipation Inability to get an erection Reduced size of testicles Enlarged breasts Dermatitis Erythema Vaginal itching Dizziness Difficulty sleeping Muscle tremors Weight gain Headache Increased need to urinate often Hematoma Rare side effects of Histrelin include :
Suicidal thoughts Seizures Implant rupture Diabetes High blood calcium levels Fluid retention Anemia A heart attack Premature ventricular rate Stroke

Liver disease Kidney stones Reduced kidney function Bloody urine Breast pain Itching Joint pain Neck pain Back pain Muscle pain Bone pain A Tonic-Clonic seizure Muscle twitching Heart pounding Difficulty breathing Difficult or painful urination No Completed Abnormal liver function tests Pituitary infarcts Spinal cord compression Mood swings Aggressive behavior Enlarged breasts Menstrual pain Bleeding unrelated to menstruation Erythema Irritability A cold sensation Infection High cholesterol Abnormal sexual function Pain in hands or feet Excessive sweating Puffy skin Weight loss Increased hunger Nausea High blood sugar Discomfort Severe stomach pain This is not a complete list of possible side effects. occurrence of the drug Histrelin. If you notice other effects of Histrelin not listed above, contact your doctor right away.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of Histrelin

Before using histrelin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine; or to similar medications (eg, leuprolide) and any other allergies if present. Histrelin products may contain inactive ingredients, and they may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Histrelin, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Diabetes, heart disease (such as heart attack), stroke, high cholesterol, epilepsy.
If you are a man taking Histrelin for prostate cancer, histrelin can weaken your bones and increase your risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time. Before using Histrelin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have osteoporosis or if you have any of the following risk factors for osteoporosis: Long-term alcohol use, smoking, family history family with osteoporosis and fractures, taking certain medications (including corticosteroids such as prednisone, some anticonvulsants such as phenytoin).
Histrelin should not be used during pregnancy, because it can harm the unborn baby. Discuss with your doctor the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) during treatment with Histrelin. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

5. Histrelin drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Histrelin works or increase your risk of serious side effects. All you need to do is tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while using Histrelin, without your doctor's approval.

6. Some notes when using Histrelin

This implant can be harmful if swallowed. If someone has swallowed Histrelin and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
Tests such as testosterone blood level, blood PSA test if used for prostate cancer, blood testosterone/estradiol level, height, bone age if used for precocious puberty, and tests Blood glucose levels should be performed periodically to monitor your progress while using Histrelin.
If you have imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs), histrelin implantation will not affect or affect the results of these tests. This implant is not visible on X-ray examination. However, make sure the radiologist and all your doctors know you are using this Histrelin product.
Rarely, the implant may come out of the arm. If this happens or you think the implant has come off, call your doctor. Keep all appointments so your doctor can make sure the implant is in place and working properly.
To help prevent missing Histrelin implant replacements, tick your calendar to keep track of when your next implant is scheduled.

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Reference source: webmd.com