Brand Name(s):

  • Trelstar®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Triptorelin injection is used to treat the symptoms associated with advanced prostate cancer. Triptorelin injection is in a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Triptorelin injection comes as a powder to be mixed with sterile water and injected into the muscle of either buttock by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic. An injection of 3.75 mg of triptorelin is usually given every 4 weeks. An injection of 11.25 mg of triptorelin is usually given every 12 weeks. An injection of 22.5 mg of triptorelin is usually given every 24 weeks.

Triptorelin may cause an increase in certain hormones in the first few weeks after injection. Your doctor will monitor you carefully for any new or worsening symptoms during this time.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving triptorelin injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to triptorelin, goserelin (Zoladex), histrelin (Supprelin LA, Vantas), leuprolide (Eligard, Lupron), nafarelin (Synarel), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in triptorelin injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: medications for depression or mental illness; methyldopa (in Aldoril); metoclopramide (Reglan); or reserpine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, cancer that has spread to the spine (backbone), urinary obstruction (blockage that causes difficulty urinating), heart, kidney, or liver disease.
  • you should know that triptorelin is not to be used in women who are pregnant or can become pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you think you have become pregnant while using triptorelin injection, call your doctor immediately. Triptorelin injection can harm the fetus.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

If you miss an appointment to receive an injection of triptorelin, you should call your healthcare provider right away to reschedule your appointment.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Triptorelin injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • headache
  • hot flashes (a sudden wave of mild or intense body heat)
  • decreased sexual ability or desire
  • leg or joint pain
  • breast pain
  • pain, itching, swelling, or redness at the place where injection was given
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • hives
  • rash
  • itching
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • hoarseness
  • chest pain
  • pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw
  • slow or difficult speech
  • dizziness or fainting
  • weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
  • not able to move legs
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or legs
  • bone pain
  • painful or difficult urination
  • blood in urine
  • frequent urination
  • extreme thirst
  • weakness
  • blurred vision
  • dry mouth
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • breath that smells fruity
  • decreased consciousness

Triptorelin injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

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 Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What should I do in case of 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.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to triptorelin injection. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about triptorelin injection.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: September 15, 2011.