Triptorelin

Drugs affecting Gonadotrophin · GnRH analogue

Indications

Endometriosis. Treatment of uterine fibroids prior to surgery is inappropriate. Advanced prostatic cancer.

Dosage

Adults: Endometriosis: Start during first 5 days of cycle. 3.75 mg by IM inj every 28 days for max 6 mth Fibroids: Start during first 5 days of cycle. 3.75 mg by IM inj every 28 days for minimum 3 mth. Consider uterine leiomyosarcoma if no change or an increase in uterine volume. Advanced prostatic cancer: 3.75 mg by IM inj every 28 days. See literature. Children: Gonadotrophin-dependent precocious puberty: DECAPEPTYL: IM. 11.25 mg every 3 mth. GONAPEPTYL: SC or IM. Body-weight under 20 kg, initially 1.875 mg on days 0,14 and 28, then 1.875 mg every 4 wk; Body-weight 20-30 kg, initially 2.5 mg on days 0, 14 and 28, then 2.5 mg every 4 wk; Body-weight over 30 kg, initially 3.75 mg on days 0, 14 and 28, then 3.75 mg every 4 wk; discontinue when bone maturation consistent with age over 12 yr in girls and over 13 yr in boys. May be given every 3 wk if necessary.

Administration

IM: Must be administered under the supervision of a physician. Administer by IM Injection into the buttock; alternate injection sites. Reconstitution: Reconstitute with 2 mL SWFI. Shake well to obtain a uniform suspension. Withdraw the entire contents into the syringe and inject immediately. Stability: Store between 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F). Do not freeze.

Adverse Effects

Hot flushes, decreased libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, asthenia, hyperhidrosis, paraesthesia, dry mouth, fatigue, musculoskeletal and pelvic pain, mood changes, insomnia, hyperglycaemia, urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, vulvovaginal, embolism, osteoporosis. Temporary exacerbation of bone pain. Injection site reactions, phlebitis, transient hypertension. Rarely, gynaecomastia, GI disturbance, headache, asthma, fever, dysuria, vertigo, hair loss.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Spinal cord compression, spinal metastases. Precautions: Risk of initial flare in symptoms, administer anti-androgen for 3 days before treatment and continue for 2-3 weeks. Monitor patients at risk of ureteric obstruction or spinal compression for first month of treatment. Risk factors for osteoporosis or QT prolongation and depression. Patients at high risk of metabolic or cardiovascular diseases; monitor glucose, cholesterol and BP at least every three months.

Interactions

Oestrogens. Drug affecting pituitary gonadotrophin secretion. Drugs that prolong QT interval.

Advice to Patient

Contact prescriber if there is severe abdominal discomfort, chest pain, palpitations, fast heartbeat, acute headache, numbness of ankles/hands/feet, changes in urinary pattern. To prevent hot flashes put cool cloth on forehead, stay in cool environment and wear light clothing.

Pharmacokinetics

Duration: IM (depot): 1 mth. Absorption: Rapidly absorbed following SC inj. Half-life elimination: 7.5 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: SC: 40 mins. IM: 2-4 days. Excretion: Urine. Faeces.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.