About Prostate Cancer
Cancer of the prostate begins in the prostate’s glandular tissue, a part of the reproductive system. Only men have a prostate gland, so only they can get this kind of cancer.
Most cancers involving the prostate are called adenocarcinomas. Often a malignant tumor begins in the outer section of the prostate gland.12 As it grows, it could spread to the inner section. If the cancer has not spread, it is called “localized prostate cancer.” This type of cancer is slow-growing and has a better chance of being successfully managed. Nearly all men (99%) diagnosed with localized prostate cancer survive at least 5 years after diagnosis.3 If caught early, the chance of surviving seems to be increased.
As the cancer grows, it could squeeze the urethra which is surrounded by the prostate. This may cause problems in urinating; while not a definite sign of prostate cancer, it is often one of its first symptoms.12 Prostate cancer can spread to lymph nodes, some bones (particularly the hip and lower back), lungs, and the brain. When prostate cancer spreads, it is called metastatic prostate cancer.13
Learn more about the symptoms of prostate cancer.
Indication
Trelstar® is indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Important Safety Information
After your first injection of Trelstar®, you might feel a temporary increase in your cancer symptoms, such as pain in your bones, nerve disorder, blood in your urine, blockage in the canals leaving your bladder, or pressure in the spinal cord that may lead to weakness or paralysis with or without fatal complications. This is because the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream actually goes up for a short period after the injection. If your symptoms increase later than the first week or two following an injection, tell your doctor. The most common side effects that patients taking Trelstar® have are actually the effect of lowering testosterone levels. The most common effect of lowering testosterone is hot flushes or flashes. These are like the hot flashes women have around the time of menopause. Other side effects include bone pain, impotence (sexual side effect), tissue breakdown in the testicles, headache, leg pain, and swelling in the legs. Women who are or may become pregnant and those who are allergic to this type of drug should not take Trelstar®. A severe potentially fatal form of shock, hyper allergic response, and allergic swelling related to Trelstar® have been reported. For more information on these and other side effects, please talk to your doctor.
