Decapeptyl SR

What is it?

An analogue of GnRh (Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone) available as microspheres in vials with diluent solution for injection, containing 4.2mg of triptorelin.

Medical Uses

Endometriosis, fibroids in uterus, either before surgical removal or when surgery cannot be carried out for some reason. Also, advanced prostate cancer.

Dosage

Women, beginning during first 5 days of monthly cycle, endometriosis, one vial given by intramuscular injection each month for 6 months; fibroids, 1 vial by intramuscular injection each month for at least 3 months. If womb volume increases or there is no change in fibroids, possibility of cancer should be investigated. Men, prostate cancer, 1 vial given by intramuscular injection each month.

Special Care

Women, diseases of bone metabolism, non-hormonal contraception should be used. Men, anti- androgen should be given for 3 days before treatment starts and for up to 3 weeks to counter the risk of a flare- up of symptoms. At risk patients require monitoring for obstruction of ureter or compression of the spine.

Avoid Use

Women, pregnancy, breast- feeding. Men, compressed spine or secondary spinal tumours.

Known Side Effects

Women, weakness, fluid retention. high blood pressure, headaches, flushes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, menorrhagia (painful, heavy menstrual bleeding), muscle and bone pain, reduction in bone mass, thinning of hair. Men, lowered libido, hot flushes, impotence, phlebitis, pain at injection site, short-lived worsening of bone pain and raised blood pressure. Rarely, gastrointestinal upset, asthma, headache, enlargement of breasts, fever, hair loss, vertigo, painful urination.