The FDA has approved a new drug called Trelstar (triptorelin pamoate) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Trelstar is a type of hormone therapy known as a GnRH agonist. It works by reducing the amount of testosterone in the body, which can help slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Trelstar is given as a shot into a muscle in the buttock. It comes in three different strengths that allow for flexible dosing schedules: a shot every 4 weeks, every 12 weeks, or every 24 weeks. Your doctor will choose the strength and schedule that is best for you. The different strengths are not meant to be combined.
The drug is a powder that must be mixed with sterile water before injection. It should be used within 2 minutes after mixing. This approval gives patients and doctors another option for treating advanced prostate cancer with hormone therapy.
As with any new treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether Trelstar is a good choice for you. Your doctor can explain the potential benefits and risks based on your specific health situation.
