Vantas implant

Histrelin is used in men to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Histrelin works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment.

Histrelin is also used in children to treat early puberty (central precocious puberty). It helps to slow abnormally fast bone development so that height and growth rate are near normal and to stop or reverse signs of early puberty (such as breast/pubic hair growth in girls, pubic hair growth in boys). Histrelin works by reducing the amount of testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls. This medication is used until the doctor decides it is time for puberty to resume.

How to use Vantas Kit

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the histrelin implant. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.

Your doctor will surgically place the medicated implant under the skin of your upper arm. The implant releases histrelin into your blood slowly and continuously over 12 months. After 12 months, your doctor will remove the implant and replace it with a new one. Consult your doctor for details.

It is very important to keep the bandage in place for several days until the surgical incision heals. Keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid bathing and swimming for 24 hours after the procedure. Also avoid any heavy lifting, bumping of the incision site, or physical activity for 7 days after the procedure.

When you first start this medication, new or worsening symptoms may occur. This is a normal response by your body to this drug. Such symptoms should get better after the first month of treatment. Girls being treated for early puberty may notice vaginal bleeding or an increase in breast size or pubic hair. Boys being treated for early puberty may notice an increase in pubic hair. Tell the doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen after 1 month.

New or worsening symptoms may also occur at the beginning of treatment for prostate cancer. Tell your doctor right away 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, unusual weakness, inability to move. If you have prostate cancer that has spread to the spine or caused problems urinating due to blockage, you may require closer monitoring by your doctor, especially when you first start treatment.

For at least 7 days after your implant is inserted, avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.