Histrelin is used to relieve symptoms of prostate cancer in men.
The medicine inside Histrelin implant is contained inside a tiny cylinder which looks like a small, thin and flexible tube.
You will be given a local anaesthetic before your doctor makes a small incision in the skin. The cylinder will be inserted under the skin of the inner portion of your upper arm. The doctor will then place the implant in the correct position for you. The cut may be closed with stitches or surgical tapes and covered with a bandage. To allow the incision to fully close, you should keep the insertion site clean and dry for 24 hours after implant insertion. Heavy lifting or any activity which may require strenuous exertion of the
arm should be avoided for 7 days after the implant insertion.
It may take some time for this medication to take effect. This is because the medicine is being released slowly from the site of insertion. This slow release means that the implant lasts longer and you will not need to replace it so often. The doctor will advise you of the course of the therapy and if there’s a need to replace the implant.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that your implant gets replaced on time. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Histrelin.
If you miss an appointment, alert your doctor. A replacement appointment should be scheduled as soon as possible.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart diseases e.g. heart rhythm disorder
- diabetes
- damaged spine due to tumours or lesions
- difficulty in passing urine
If you are going for certain diagnostic tests, inform your doctor that you are on Histrelin treatment.
Keep all your appointment with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and to check your response to this medicine regularly.
- You may need to have routine tests (prostate test, testosterone level, electrolyte level). Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose level and bone mineral density may be needed while you are being treated with this medicine.
- The implant may be accidentally expelled from the insertion site with or without you knowing it. Your doctor may need to occasionally check on the implant site.
Histrelin may cause any of the following side effects: hot flushes, tiredness, decrease in the size of the testicles, and implant site reaction such as bruising, soreness, redness, pain or swelling.
This medicine may increase the level of testosterone (male sex hormone) during the first week after the implant had been inserted. It may cause new or worsening bone pain, weakness in your legs, or blood in your urine.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fits or seizures
- sudden headache, vomiting, passing out, problems with your eyesight
- behaviour or mood changes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medicines to treat depression e.g. bupropion.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
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