Decapeptyl-Depot: description, application, side effects
Decapeptyl-Depot is a drug that is widely used in medicine to treat a number of diseases. The drug contains the active substance triptorelin, which is a synthetic analogue of the hormone gonadotropin releasing factor (GnRH). Decapeptyl-Depot is produced by the German company Ferring Arzneimittel GmbH.
Application of Decapeptyl-Depot
Decapeptyl Depot is used to treat various diseases associated with hormonal imbalance. The drug is widely used to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids and infertility in women, as well as prostate cancer in men. The drug can be used to shrink tumors before removing them.
Decapeptyl Depot is administered as an injection subcutaneously or into a muscle. The dosage and frequency of injections depend on the disease and the patient.
Side effects of Decapeptyl-Depot
Like any medicine, Decapeptyl-Depot may cause side effects. Some may be serious and require medical attention.
The most common side effects are decreased libido, headache, sleep disturbances, rapid and frequent mood swings, irritability, depression, fatigue, paresthesia, visual disturbances, myalgia, back pain, nausea, transient hypertension, increased cholesterol levels and liver enzymes. in the blood, local allergic reactions (hyperemia, itching at the injection site).
Women who receive Decapeptyl Depot to treat endometriosis or uterine fibroids may experience side effects such as vaginal discharge or dryness, pain during intercourse, hot flashes with profuse sweating, and slight demineralization of bone tissue.
Men who take Decapeptyl Depot to treat prostate cancer may experience side effects such as decreased libido, gynecomastia and impotence.
Contraindications Decapeptyl-Depot
Decapeptyl-Depot is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to triptorelin or any other component of the drug, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Decapeptyl Depot should not be used in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, hormone-independent prostate adenoma, post-prostatectomy conditions and osteoporosis, which may increase the risk of development or clinical manifestations. Also, the drug is not recommended for use in cases of premature puberty in children and adolescents.
Special instructions when using Decapeptyl-Depot
Before starting treatment with Decapeptyl-Depot, pregnancy must be excluded, and hormonal contraceptives should not be used during therapy. During the course, it is mandatory to monitor the plasma level of sex hormones, as well as the size of tumors (in the treatment of prostate cancer) using ultrasound. When treating hormone-dependent prostate cancer, the level of testosterone in the blood should not exceed 1 ng/ml, and in patients with metastases in the spine or urinary disorders, careful medical supervision is required.
When treating female infertility, regular biological and clinical monitoring of ovarian induction is necessary, and if hyperstimulation is suspected, it is recommended to stop injections. Long-term use of Decapeptyl-Depot for endometriosis and uterine fibroids can cause hypogonadotropic amenorrhea, however, ovarian function and ovulation are restored on average on the 58th day after the last injection.
The interaction of Decapeptyl-Depot with other drugs is not known.
In conclusion, Decapeptyl Depot is an effective medicine for the treatment of a number of diseases associated with hormonal imbalance. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects, so before starting treatment you should consult your doctor and strictly follow the recommendations for use of the drug.