Products
Triptorelin is commercially available as an injectable. It has been approved in many countries since 1995.
Structure and properties
Triptorelin is a more potent derivative of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). At position 6, the amino acid glycine has been replaced by D-tryptophan. It is a decapeptide.
- GnRH: Pyr-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly.
- Triptorelin: Pyr-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly
Effects
Triptorelin (ATC L02AE04) is a GnRH agonist. It stimulates secretion of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland when administered for a short period of time. With long-term treatment of two to four weeks, levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, estrogens, and progesterone decrease.
Indications
- Advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer.
- Endometriosis
- Downregulation in the context of reproductive medicine
- Reduction of testosterone levels to castration levels in adult men with sexual deviancies.
Dosage
According to the professional information.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions are possible with agents that also affect gonadotropin secretion.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include hot flashes, bone pain, headache, a loss of libido, emotional disturbances, spotting, and vaginal dryness.
