When your doctor tells you that you have advanced prostate cancer, you may have many questions about the treatment options. Among those treatments, you may have been told about a small device (implant) that is placed under the skin. That is the drug that we are going to talk about today in a simple way. Let's see what it does, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
Simply put, what is Histrelin?
Histrelin is a special protein that is made by humans in a laboratory. It works exactly like a hormone that is naturally produced in our bodies. Its main function is to reduce the level of the hormone testosterone in a man's body.
Now you may be wondering, "Why reduce testosterone?" This hormone testosterone helps prostate cancer cells grow. So, by reducing this hormone with the drug Histrelin, we are able to control the growth of cancer cells, that is, slow down their growth. That is why it is used as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this treatment
Before your doctor can decide if this treatment is right for you, they need to know your full medical history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them without hiding anything .
- If you have diabetes .
- If you have heart disease or a history of irregular heartbeat.
- If you have had a previous stroke .
- If you have difficulty or pain when urinating .
- If the doctor has told you that the cancer has spread to the spinal cord (spinal cord metastasis) .
- If you have an allergic reaction to Histrelin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
It is very important for your own safety to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, whether prescribed by a doctor, purchased at a pharmacy, traditional medicines, vitamins, or herbal products.
How will this medicine be given to you? What should I do next?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is a small, matchstick-sized device (implant). A doctor or a trained medical staff member will place it under the skin of your upper arm in a hospital or clinic. It is like a minor operation. At the time, you will be given a numbing medicine so you will not feel much pain.
Keep these things in mind after the implant is placed:
- Keep the implant site clean and dry for 24 hours . Do not allow it to get wet.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 7 days .
- Let the surgical strips that are applied to the area come off on their own. Do not try to force them off.
- This implant can be used for exactly 12 months (one year) . After a year, the doctor will remove it and insert a new implant at that time if you need continued treatment.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is administered by a professional, the risk of an "overdose" is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. But don't worry, not everyone will experience all of these. The most important thing is to let your doctor know if you notice anything unusual.
| Nature of the side effect | Description and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Dangerous change in heartbeat | Chest pain, dizziness, feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, and fainting. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden change in vision, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar | Feeling more thirsty or hungry than usual , needing to urinate more frequently, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Urinary system problems | Difficulty urinating, a change in the amount of urine you pass, or the inability to control your urine or stool. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Hot flashes | Suddenly, you start sweating and feel hot. |
| Body changes | Bone pain, enlarged or tender breasts, changes in sexual desire. |
| Other minor features | Redness or pain at the site of the implant, insomnia, unusual fatigue, numbness in the limbs, and slight blood in the urine. |
Special points to remember when undergoing treatment
Your symptoms may get worse during the first week of treatment, such as increased bone pain and difficulty urinating. This is called a 'tumor flare'. But don't worry, it's normal . It will get better in a few days. But talk to your doctor about this.
Very rarely, the implant may come out of the incision. If this happens, talk to your doctor immediately. Also, this medicine may affect your fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it as well.
Take-Home Message
- Histrelin is a one-year, subcutaneous hormone treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- Symptoms may temporarily worsen during the first week of treatment. This is normal.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as chest pain, symptoms of a stroke, or inability to urinate, seek medical advice immediately.
- This implant must be replaced once a year. Don't miss your clinic appointments.
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