What Is a Histrelin Implant Used For?

Doctors administer histrelin through a small implant that is placed into a person’s upper arm, just beneath the skin. A quick surgery at a hospital or doctor's office will give you access to this implant. The non-dominant arm (left arm if you are right-handed and vice versa) is the optimum position for the implant. Tell your doctor which arm you use the most.

The skin on your upper arm will be numbed to prevent you from feeling any discomfort during the insertion. The doctor will make a little incision, which is required to put the implant, using a scalpel. They will place the histrelin implant using a unique tool that pushes the implant through the skin incision. Your doctor will feel your arm to confirm that the implant has been properly positioned after inserting it and taking out the insertion tool.

The doctor may use stitching or surgical strips to close the skin incision. Care for the incision as directed by your doctor, keeping it clean and bandaged until it is fully healed. Keep your arm dry for at least 24 hours. The implant will probably be felt through your skin, but it shouldn't hurt.

Call your doctor immediately if the implant comes through the skin or comes out or if you experience any pain, swelling, soreness, itching, tingling, bruising, or redness at the site of the implant.

A histrelin implant is typically left in place for 12 months before it is surgically removed. Avoid attempting to remove the implant on your own. Your doctor will decide if you need another implant to complete your current course of therapy.

Seek immediate medical treatment if you have any of the allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck.

The following side effects should be reported as soon as possible to your physician or other healthcare providers:

• Painful or difficult urination
• Blood in your urine
• Seizure
• Bone pain
• Increased pressure inside the skull—severe headaches, tinnitus (ringing in your ears), and dizziness
• Nausea
• Numbness or weakness in your legs or feet
• Vision problems
• Pain behind your eyes
• Mental problems—crying spells, anger, and aggression 
• Feeling restless or irritable

You shouldn't use histrelin if you are allergic to it or other hormone medications. Do not use histrelin if you are pregnant—it might harm the fetus or cause a miscarriage. Use an effective method of birth control to prevent pregnancy and notify your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

The use of Vantas® (a drug for advanced prostate cancer) is not advised for women or young children.

To ensure that Supprelin® LA is safe for you, let your doctor know if you have any of the following:

• Psychosis or mental illness
• A seizure disease or epilepsy
• An abnormality of your brain's blood vessels or a tumor
• Consumed a drug that can cause seizures (such as an antidepressant)

To ensure that Vantas® is safe for you, let your doctor know if you've ever had:

• Diabetes
• Cardiac problems, heart attack, or stroke
• Osteoporosis (low bone mineral density)
• Any condition that affects your spine
• Long QT syndrome