Histrelin Injection (patient information)

About your treatment
Your doctor has ordered histrelin, a synthetic hormone. The drug will be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) every day. You should rotate the site of injection (upper arms, thighs, or abdomen) with each dose.Histrelin helps control the symptoms and manifestations of early onset puberty. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests, ultrasound, bone measurement, height measurement, and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.

Precautions
Before administering histrelin:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to histrelin or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins or herbal products.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. You should not become pregnant while receiving histrelin. If you become pregnant while taking histrelin, call your doctor immediately.

Administering your medication
Before you administer histrelin, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Do not use the solution if it is discolored or if it contains particles. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider. Each vial should be used only once and the unused drug should be thrown away.

It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Histrelin should be given at the same time each day. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason, because puberty may be reactivated. Do not administer itmore often than or for longer periods than your doctor tells you. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider.

Minor side effects
Side effects from histrelin are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * upset stomach
 * abdominal pain
 * vomiting
 * diarrhea
 * light menstrual flow
 * cough
 * vision changes
 * mood swings
 * hot flashes
 * irritation, swelling, and itching at injection site
 * fever

Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:


 * skin rash
 * hives
 * rapid heartbeat
 * difficulty swallowing or breathing
 * swelling of the face, neck, eyelids, or lips
 * flushing
 * loss of consciousness

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storing your medication
Your health care provider will probably give you a several-day supply of histerlin at a time. You will be told how to prepare each dose. Store the vials in the refrigerator and protect them from light. Remove a new vial from the refrigerator 1 hour before use; place it in a clean, dry area to allow it to come to room temperature before injecting the contents.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of the reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Signs of infection
You should be aware of the symptoms of infection. If you experience any of these effects near the site where you administer your histrelin, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:


 * tenderness
 * warmth
 * irritation
 * drainage
 * redness
 * swelling
 * pain

Brand names

 * Vantas®