Trelstar LA (triptorelin pamoate)
The following drug information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
General Information
Trelstar LA, a three month controlled release formulation of
triptorelin pamoate, has been approved for the treatment of
advanced stage prostate cancer. A one month controlled release
formulation, Trelstar Depot, was approved in June 2000.
Trelstar LA is approved both as a vial of triptorelin pamoate to
be reconstituted in sterile water for injection, and as the
DebioClip single dose delivery system that consists of a vial of
triptorelin pamoate and a pre-filled syringe of sterile water for
injection.
Prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer in being the most
common cancer found in American men. The American Cancer Society
predicts there will be close to 200,000 new cases of prostate
cancer diagnosed in the United States in 2001.
Clinical Results
In a pivotal clinical trial, Trelstar LA was shown to be as
effective as the previously approved Trelstar Depot. Additional
study objectives included regression of pain, mean change in the
Quality of Life scale during treatment, and testosterone
pharmacodynamics. Subjects who received triptorelin pamoate used
fewer analgesics after beginning treatment and overall gained an
average of five kg in body weight.
Side Effects
Adverse events associated with the use of Trelstar LA may
include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased blood cell counts
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Hot flashes
- Loss of sexual drive
- Breast tenderness
Warning - triptorelin pamoate should not be taken while
pregnant
Mechanism of Action
Triptorelin pamoate is a potent repressor of gonadotropin
secretion when given continuously and in therapeutic doses.
Following initial administration, there is a transient surge in
circulating levels of luteinizing hormone (LH),
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and estradiol.
After chronic and continuous administration, usually two to four
weeks after beginning therapy, a sustained decrease in LH and FSH
secretion and marked reduction of testicular and ovarian
steroidogenesis is observed. In men, a reduction in serum
testosterone concentration to a level typically seen in surgically
castrated men is obtained. Consequently, tissues and functions that
depend on these hormones for maintenance become quiescent. These
effects are usually reversible after cessation of therapy.
Additional Information
