Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Histrelin
Other Names: Histrelin Acetate Implant, Vantas Implant
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Vantas Implant? (Back to top)
HISTRELIN is used to treat the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. The implant contains a drug that is like a natural hormone in the body called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It is placed under the skin and releases the drug over 12 months. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• female (this implant is not for use in women)
• pain or trouble passing urine
• spinal cord metastasis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to histrelin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is placed under the skin of your arm by a health care professional in a clinic or office. After the implant is placed, keep the insertion site clean and dry for 24 hours. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 7 days after implant insertion. The surgical strips over the site should be allowed to fall off on their own over several days. The implant must be removed after 12 months. At this time, a new implant may be inserted to continue therapy.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply. After 1 year, the implant will have to be removed. If you need to continue this medicine, the implant will be replaced at that time.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
• herbal or dietary supplements, like black cohosh or DHEA
• male hormones, like testosterone
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• prasterone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• blood in your urine
• changes in vision
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• new or worse bone pain
• pain at the insertion site
• severe headache
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• vomiting

• breast enlargement
• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation
• hot flashes (sudden feelings of warmth or sweating)
• redness or irritation at the insertion site
• testicles become smaller
• trouble sleeping
• weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. During the first week, your symptoms may get worse but then will start to get better as you continue your treatment. You may get hot flashes, increased bone pain, increased difficulty passing urine, or an aggravation of nerve symptoms. Discuss these effects with your doctor or health care professional. Some of these may get better with continued use of this medicine.

Rarely, the implant can be expelled from the body through the original incision site. It is possible that you may see the implant being expelled, or rarely, the implant may be expelled without you noticing it. If you believe the implant has been expelled from your body, call your doctor.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:April 18, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company