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Drug Formulary
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triptorelin

( trip-TOE-reh-lin )
Other Name(s): Trelstar® (Allergan Pharma)
Appearance: Suspension for injection
pdf download triptorelin patient.pdf
pdf download triptorline pour le patient.pdf

Medication Information Sheet
triptorelin (trip-TOE-reh-lin)
This document provides general information about your medication. It does not replace the advice of your health care professional. Always discuss your therapy with your health care professional and refer to the package insert for more details.

Other Name: Trelstar®

Appearance:
Suspension for injection

What is this medication for?
  • For treating prostate cancer
What should I do before I have this medication?
  • Tell your doctor if you have / had significant medical condition(s), especially if you have / had heart disease (including irregular heartbeat), diabetes, bone loss or thinning, problems with passing urine, or any allergies.
  • People who have cancer or leukemia are at a higher risk of developing other cancers/leukemias (usually some years later) or blood clots. Some cancer medications may increase these risks, especially if used for a prolonged period of time. You should discuss any concerns with your doctor.
How will this medication affect sex, pregnancy and breastfeeding?
  • Triptorelin can harm the unborn baby and should not be used by pregnant women.
    • In the laboratory, this drug may harm or affect the embryos/offspring of animals exposed to it.
    • While this may not be directly applicable to you, if there is ANY chance that your partner may become pregnant, you and your partner together must: ► Use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time while taking this drug: Keep using birth control until at least 6 months (general recommendation) after the last dose. Discuss with your healthcare team.
  • Tell your doctor right away if your partner becomes pregnant.
  • Effects on Fertility: Yes
  • Effects on Fertility: Yes
How is this medication given?
  • Triptorelin (Trelstar®) is given by injection into a muscle by your doctor or nurse.
  • Various dosing schedules are used - check with your health care professional about how often this drug is given to you.
  • Be sure to visit your doctor for your repeat injection; keep a schedule of these dates. Speak to your health care professional to see what drugs and supplies you need to bring for your next visit.
What else do I need to know while on this medication?

  • This medication can interact with other medications and can result in the treatment not working as well or cause severe side effects.

  • Make sure your health care team knows about all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbals and supplements). Check with your health care team before starting or stopping any of them.

How should I safely store this medication?

  • Keep this medication in the original packaging at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and light. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

  • Do not throw out any unused medications at home. Bring them to your pharmacy to be thrown away safely.

What are the side effects of this medication?
The following side effects are common or severe. You may not have all of the side effects listed, while others not on this list may also occur. Discuss with your doctor if you have any unusual or bothersome symptoms.

Side effects and what to do When to contact doctor?
More Common Side Effects

High blood sugar

  • Check your own blood sugar if you are diabetic.

Significant rise in blood sugar levels (rare; increased thirst and urinates frequently)

  • Get emergency medical help if this occurs.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Muscle pain or cramps 

  • Take painkiller(s) as directed, if given to you by your doctor.
  • Otherwise, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) tablets as needed for mild aches and pains. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dose for you.
  • Rest often, but may try light exercise.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Anemia
(unusual tiredness or weakness, pale skin)

  • May be due to low red blood cells
  • Rest often. Have a well-balanced diet.
  • Light exercise may help, with short activity times and in-between breaks.
  • Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you feel tired or weak.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Symptoms of having low testosterone levels

  • Impotence
  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Decrease in sexual desire
  • Mood changes (for example, feeling depressed)
  • Bladder or urinary infections

(Continued)
Increased sweating, feelings of warmth
(hot flashes)

  • Avoid triggers such as alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee, cola), chocolate, hot & spicy food, stress and heat.
  • Exercise regularly. Keep cool; dress lightly, drink plenty of water. May improve over time.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Flare of symptoms
(pain at tumour area, increased bone or back pain, difficulty passing urine or poor bladder/bowel control)

  • Increase of prostate size and worsening of cancer symptoms - may be severe
  • Usually happens within the first 2 weeks of starting treatment.
  • If you have severe bone pain, worsening problems with passing urine, severe numbness or trouble with movements, call your doctor right away.
 Get emergency medical help right away

Side effects and what to do When to contact doctor?
Less Common Side Effects, but may be Severe

Having a low mood that doesn't seem to improve

  • Try talking with family and friends. Maintain proper nutrition, exercise, and good sleep habits.
  • If this lasts more than 2 weeks or have suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Allergic reaction (severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness; may occur during or shortly after the drug is given)

 Get emergency medical help right away
Blockage of an artery (blood vessel) in your heart, brain, chest, belly, or limbs; this may result in stroke (sudden loss of vision, speech, or the use of your limb(s)) or heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath), or pain in chest, belly or limb Get emergency medical help right away

Bone pain; Bone loss

 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Bleeding or blood flow problems in the pituitary gland
(sudden severe headache, vision changes, loss of consciousness)

 Get emergency medical help right away

Heart problems
(irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, swelling in legs/ankles/belly, shortness of breath)

 Get emergency medical help right away
Seizures Get emergency medical help right away
Blood clot (limb pain or swelling, hardened vein in limb), may occur in lungs (sudden start of coughing, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood) Get emergency medical help right away

For more links on how to manage your symptoms go to https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/symptom-management.

The information set out in the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets, and symptom management information (for patients) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended to be used by health professionals and patients for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or side effects of a certain drug, nor should it be used to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition.

A patient should always consult a healthcare provider if he/she has any questions regarding the information set out in the Formulary. The information in the Formulary is not intended to act as or replace medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.

Funding & Reimbursement

Several payment sources exist for cancer drugs in Ontario, depending on the drug, disease indication, and how and where it is delivered.

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Symptom Management

Many people living with cancer experience nausea, diarrhea and other symptoms from their treatment or disease.

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Drug Safety and Administration

Find documents on drug safety and administration for healthcare providers, including calculations and recommendations.

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