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Triptorelin - Injection

Pronunciation: TRIP-toe-REL-in

Common Brand Name(s): Decapeptyl

Important: How To Use This Information

This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Uses

Triptorelin is used by women as part of female infertility treatment in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This medication is a hormone which works by helping the growth and release of mature eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using triptorelin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You must have a pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medication. You should receive the first dose from your health care provider who will monitor you for side effects. Each treatment with this medication usually lasts 4 to 7 weeks. Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the medication package. Before using this medication, check the solution visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the solution.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Inject triptorelin under the skin of the lower abdomen as directed by your doctor, usually once daily starting on a specified day of your menstrual cycle. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can closely monitor your response and adjust your dosage if necessary. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed.

Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, nausea, hot flashes (flushing), unusual sweating, trouble sleeping, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, decreased sexual interest, and injection site reactions (such as mild irritation, redness) may occur. Mild abdominal pain may occur with vaginal bleeding or spotting. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

  • mental/mood changes (such as depression, agitation)
  • muscle spasms
  • joint pain

This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during or after treatment. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. Get medical help right away if you develop the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, severe nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or decreased urination.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using triptorelin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • a certain brain tumor (pituitary adenoma)
  • bone loss (osteoporosis)
  • cancer of the reproductive organs (such as ovary, breast, uterus)
  • heart problems (such as heart failure, slow/irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG)
  • family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
  • mental/mood disorders (such as depression)
  • ovarian cysts

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Use of triptorelin may increase the risk of pregnancy outside of the womb (ectopic pregnancy), miscarriage, multiple births (such as twins, triplets), or birth defects in an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication is not for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

It is unknown if triptorelin passes into breast milk. This medication is usually not used by nursing women. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as ultrasound, blood hormone levels for estradiol) should be done while you are using this medication. A pregnancy test must be completed before you start treatment. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember if it is on the same day. If it is the next day, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store this medication in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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