Trelstar LA

Triptorelin is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Triptorelin works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This effect helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination. This medication is similar to a natural substance made by the body (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone-LHRH). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment.

It is very important that you do not miss any doses. However, if you do miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to establish a new schedule.

This medication is given as an injection into the muscle of your buttocks by a health care professional, usually once every 3 months (12 weeks) or as directed by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully to get the most benefit from this drug. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of your next dose. During the first few weeks of treatment, your testosterone level will actually increase before it decreases. This is a normal response by your body to this drug. This effect may result in new or worsening symptoms for the first few weeks. If you have prostate cancer that has spread to the spine or that has caused urinary blockage, you may require closer monitoring by your doctor, especially when you first start treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: bone pain, numbness/tingling/weakness of the arms/legs, blood in the urine, painful/difficult urination. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as testosterone blood levels, PSA blood tests, blood glucose) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using triptorelin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other LHRH-type drugs (such as leuprolide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, personal or family history of weak/broken bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, heart disease (such as heart attack), stroke, family history of sudden cardiac death. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Females: Triptorelin is not usually used by women. It must not be used by pregnant women because it may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Breast-feeding is also not recommended during triptorelin treatment. Consult your doctor for more details and before breast-feeding, and to discuss reliable forms of birth control.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a doctor's office and will not be stored at home.

See also the How to Use section. Hot flashes (flushing), decreased sexual interest/ability, shrinking of the testicles, and breast tenderness/swelling may occur as a result of lowered testosterone levels. Dizziness and headache may also occur with this drug. If any of these effects bother you, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: bone/joint/unusual pain, easily broken bones, swelling of the ankles/feet, unusual weakness, inability to move (paralysis), unusual change in the amount of urine. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: chest discomfort/pain, irregular heartbeat, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech. Rarely, a serious problem with your pituitary gland (pituitary apoplexy) may occur, usually in the first hour to 2 weeks after your first dose of this medication. Get medical help right away if any of these serious side effects occur: sudden severe headache, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), vision changes, vomiting, fainting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.