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Supprelin LA

histrelin

Used for Central Precocious Puberty

Supprelin LA (histrelin) helps prevent early puberty in children 2 years of age and older. The medication works well to delay puberty, but it's an implant that is placed under your skin during a minor surgical procedure.

Reviewed by:

Dalga Surofchy, PharmD, APh

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 30, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Alternatives Latest news Prices Medicare

What is Supprelin LA (histrelin)?

What is Supprelin LA (histrelin) used for?

Precocious puberty (puberty that starts at an early age)

How Supprelin LA (histrelin) works

Supprelin LA (histrelin) is a hormone similar to one your body naturally makes called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It lowers reproductive hormone levels, estrogen and testosterone, which are a part of the process of puberty.

Are you looking for information on Vantas (histrelin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSupprelin LA

Drug ClassGonadatropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Supprelin LA (histrelin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Implant site reaction (discomfort, bruising, soreness, pain, tingling, itching, or swelling)
Scars where medication is implanted

Other Side Effects

Emotional changes (anger, crying, irritability)
Seizures

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

History of allergic reactions to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) type medications

Source: FDA

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
Mood swings, irritability, hostility
Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

Pros and cons of Supprelin LA (histrelin)

Pros

Works well to prevent precocious puberty (early puberty)

Implanted once every 12 months

Well-tolerated with few side effects

Cons

Requires surgery to insert the implant, which can sometimes cause discomfort

Brand only, which makes it expensive

Implant can fall out if the wound doesn't heal properly

Pharmacist tips for Supprelin LA (histrelin)

Supprelin LA (histrelin) is contained in an implant that needs to be placed surgically in the upper arm above the elbow. Follow your healthcare providers instructions to make sure the wound properly heals.

The child will require routine checkups of their condition to make sure that Supprelin LA (histrelin) is working properly. Certain hormones will be measured 1 month after implantation and then every 6 months after that.

After implantation, more signs and symptoms of early puberty can happen because of a rise in some hormones, but these will go away within 4 weeks of the implantation.

If your child experiences more crying, anger, restlessness (impatience) or irritability, let your healthcare provider know.

Supprelin LA (histrelin) might worsen emotional symptoms.

Frequently asked questions about Supprelin LA (histrelin)

What is precocious puberty?

This is when children have signs of sexual development (breast growth, penis growth, vaginal bleeding, or pubic hair) younger than normally seen. Children with early sexual development younger than the age of eight (girls) or nine (boys) years should be seen by their healthcare provider.

Does Supprelin LA (histrelin) cause pain?

In multiple studies, the most common side effect reported was discomfort, bruising, soreness, pain, tingling, itching, or swelling of the arm where the medication was implanted (placed).

How long is Supprelin LA (histrelin) implanted in the arm?

Supprelin LA (histrelin) is placed once every 12 months. It's removed when your child reaches an appropriate age for puberty to begin based on their gender.

How do I care for my child's arm after the medication is implanted?

The arm with the implanted medication should stay dry for at least 24 hours so avoid bathing or swimming. Also, it's best to avoid a lot of exercise, especially involving the arm with the implant. The surgical strips should not be removed; they are designed to fall off on their own after a few days.

Does Supprelin LA (histrelin) cause psychiatric problems?

Some people taking Supprelin LA (histrelin) might experience more crying, anger, irritability, or restlessness (impatience). If you have a history of emotional or psychiatric problems, let your healthcare provider know before starting this medication.

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What are the risks and warnings for Supprelin LA (histrelin)?

Supprelin LA (histrelin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Initial worsening of symptoms

Supprelin LA (histrelin) is an artificial hormone similar to one your body makes, called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Supprelin LA (histrelin) can cause worsening of puberty symptoms when first started. These symptoms should go away within the first 4 weeks of therapy.

Implant

Supprelin LA (histrelin) is contained within an implant, which requires a surgical procedure to insert it and remove it. Talk to your healthcare provider about risks of the implant and the minor surgery.

Emotional or behavioral changes

People taking medications similar to GnRH, like Supprelin LA (histrelin), may have difficulty controlling emotions. Symptoms of emotional changes include crying, irritability, impatience, anger, and aggression (anger). As a parent, watch your child for changes in behaviors and emotions.

Convulsions (seizures)

Risk factors: History of seizures | History of epilepsy | History of stroke | People taking certain medications including SSRIs or bupropion.

People taking medications similar to GnRH, like Supprelin LA (histrelin), may experience convulsions. If you experience tight muscles, uncontrollable movements, or painful cramping, call your healthcare provider right away.

Supprelin LA (histrelin) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Supprelin LA (histrelin)

This medication is a 50 mg implant that is placed under your skin during a minor surgical procedure once every 12 months. The implant is placed in the inside area of your upper arm above the elbow.