Histrelin is a man-made form of a hormone that regulates many processes in the body. Histrelin overstimulates the body's own production of certain hormones, which causes that production to shut down temporarily.

The Supprelin LA brand of histrelin is used to treat precocious puberty in both male and female children.

The Vantas brand of histrelin is used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men. Vantas should not be used in women or children. Histrelin treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself. Use any other medications your doctor has prescribed to best treat your condition.

Histrelin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to histrelin or other medications that affect gonadotropin hormones. The Supprelin LA brand of histrelin is used to treat precocious puberty in children. The Vantas brand of histrelin is used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men. Vantas should not be used in women or children.

Histrelin can cause a miscarriage or birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before you receive histrelin, tell your doctor if you have painful or difficult urination, diabetes, heart disease, coronary artery disease, liver disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, osteoporosis, or a condition affecting your spine.

You may have a temporary increase in symptoms of your condition for a week or so after you have received the histrelin implant. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms become severe.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination, loss of bladder or bowel control, urinating more or less than usual, sudden numbness or severe headache, problems with speech or vision, increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or chest pain spreading to the arm or shoulder.

You will need regular medical tests to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Visit your doctor regularly.

A histrelin implant is usually left in place for 12 months and then removed. Your doctor will determine at that time whether you need to receive another implant for treatment of your symptoms.

If you are using histrelin to treat prostate cancer, use any other medications your doctor has prescribed to best treat your condition. Histrelin treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to histrelin or to similar hormone medications such as leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard, Viadur), nafarelin (Synarel), or ganirelix (Antagon).

To make sure you can safely use histrelin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• painful or difficult urination;

• diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, recent weight gain, high cholesterol (especially in men);

• coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

• liver disease;

• a history of heart attack or stroke;

• osteoporosis; or

• a condition affecting your spine.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use histrelin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication.

It is not known whether histrelin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.