Triptorelin
About
Triptorelin belongs to the class of 'anti-neoplastic agents', primarily used to treat prostate cancer in men, endometriosis in women and precocious puberty (early puberty) in children. Prostate cancer is the prostate gland's cancer (a small gland under the bladder secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm) found only in men. Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity. Precocious puberty occurs when a child's body changes into that of an adult or experiences puberty too soon.
Triptorelin contains Triptorelin that belongs to the class of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. Triptorelin is a synthetic hormone that acts similar to the GnRH, produced by the hypothalamus gland in the brain. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of the natural male hormone, testosterone in men and oestrogen in women. The lowering of testosterone hormone levels in men helps slows down the growth of cancer cells in prostate cancer.
Use Triptorelin as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dosage depending on your medical condition. The common side effects of Triptorelin include hot flashes, decreased sexual interest, shrinking of the testicles, breast tenderness or swelling, dizziness, headache, flu symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, upset stomach and swelling in legs. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Do not take or stop this medicine, if the doctor did not advise you to do so. Before starting Triptorelin, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases, recent heart attack, depression, brain tumours, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, fits, weak bones and high cholesterol levels. Triptorelin is not indicated for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Triptorelin may make you feel dizzy, hence drive when you are alert only. Triptorelin is not recommended for children below two years of age.
Uses of Triptorelin
Medicinal Benefits
Triptorelin contains Triptorelin, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It treats prostate cancer in men, endometriosis in women and precocious puberty (early puberty) in children. Triptorelin is a synthetic hormone that acts similar to the GnRH, produced by the hypothalamus gland in the brain. Being an anti-neoplastic or anticancer agent, Triptorelin works by lowering testosterone levels in men that help stop the growth of cancer cells in prostate cancer. Triptorelin reduces oestrogen (a hormone required for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics) levels in women, thus helps in shrinking of endometriosis. Triptorelin also has the role of a contraceptive drug.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Triptorelin
- Hot flashes
- Decreased sexual interest
- Shrinking of the testicles
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Flu
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Upset stomach
- Swelling in legs
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have any allergic reactions to Triptorelin or other medications. Before starting Triptorelin, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases, recent heart attack, depression, brain tumours, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, fits, weak bones and high cholesterol levels. Triptorelin may cause QT prolongation (heart muscle takes longer than normal to recharge between beats) and may affect heart rhythm, hence heart patients should be cautious while taking Triptorelin. Triptorelin can affect the unborn baby when used in pregnancy. Hence, Triptorelin is not indicated for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding women. If you are using Triptorelin, make sure to use reliable forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy during the course. Triptorelin may also affect fertility in men, hence discuss with your doctor if you have any plans to start a family in the future. Triptorelin can make you feel dizzy and affects your mental ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are not mentally alert and focused. Triptorelin is not recommended for children younger than two years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Triptorelin may interact with heart rhythm problems treating drugs (quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol), antibiotics (moxifloxacin), opioid pain killers (methadone) and antipsychotics.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Triptorelin should be used with caution in cases of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases, recent heart attack, depression, brain tumours, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, fits, weak bones and high cholesterol levels.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to avoid alcohol consumption to minimize the unwanted effects of Triptorelin. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeTriptorelin is a pregnancy category X drug. It is unsafe to use Triptorelin in pregnancy and can have harmful effects on the unborn baby. Use reliable forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy while using Triptorelin.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTriptorelin is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for further information.
Driving
unsafeTriptorelin causes dizziness and affects your ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any unmanageable side effects with Triptorelin.
Liver
cautionPlease let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment before starting Triptorelin.
Kidney
cautionPlease let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before starting Triptorelin.
Children
cautionTriptorelin is not recommended in children younger than two years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take the medication as directed by the doctor and at regular intervals.
- Maintain a fibre-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Include fish, soy, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli and oils containing omega-3 fatty acids such as olive oil as these foods may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- Avoid grilled meat, red meat, saturated fat found in animal products, milk and dairy products.
- Exercise regularly to lose weight as obesity is also considered as a risk factor for prostate cancer.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Keep your weight under control with BMI 19.5-24.9.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise liver function tests to monitor your liver health since Triptorelin may cause increased liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate and serum transaminases).
- Triptorelin may cause increased serum glucose levels (hyperglycaemia), hence inform your doctor if you have diabetes before starting Triptorelin.
- Your doctor may advise blood tests and regular examinations of the prostate.
- It is advised to get an electrocardiogram (ECG) done timely to monitor your heart health.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Prostate cancer: It is the cancer of the prostate gland (a small gland under the bladder that secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm) found only in men. The symptoms include difficulty in urination, pain, numbness or sexual problems. It is the most common type of cancer in men.
Endometriosis: It is a disorder in which tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity. It commonly involves ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Symptoms of endometriosis include pain and irregular periods.
Precocious puberty occurs when a child's body changes into that of an adult or experiences puberty too soon. If puberty begins before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys, it is considered precocious puberty. Symptoms in a girl include first period and breast development, whereas, in boy, it causes enlarged testicles and penis, deepening voice and facial hair.
FAQs
Triptorelin contains Triptorelin, a synthetic hormone. It helps reduce the testosterone and oestrogen hormones in men and women, respectively. This process of lowering hormone levels can decrease cancer cell's growth in prostate cancer in men and shrinks endometriosis in women.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Triptorelin should be used with caution and under doctor's supervision only if you have any medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases, recent heart attack, depression, brain tumours, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, fits, weak bones and high cholesterol levels. Let your doctor know if you have any other medical concerns before using Triptorelin.
During treatment with Triptorelin in the first few weeks, a temporary increase in hormones may occur before they decrease. This may cause new or worsening of side effects of Triptorelin. This is a normal response of your body to Triptorelin. However, if you notice any symptoms that are not manageable, please seek medical advice.
Triptorelin may worsen your mood disorders like depression. Hence it is advised to use Triptorelin only when you are free from any kind of mental problems. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Triptorelin may cause impotence and affect fertility in men. It is advised to speak to your doctor if you plan to have a family in the future before starting Triptorelin.
