How Central Precocious Puberty Medicine Works

Treatment for central precocious puberty (CPP) is usually a medicine called a GnRH agonist. The hypothalamus (a part of the brain) sends a GnRH signal to another part of the brain called the pituitary gland, which starts puberty. A GnRH agonist tells the pituitary to ignore that signal. This stops CPP from happening. Without the GnRH signal, the pituitary stops sending hormones to the ovaries or testes. Then, the ovaries and testes stop making sex hormones. Bone maturation also slows down. This helps your child reach his or her predicted adult height.1

GnRH agonist therapy, like all medicines, can cause unintended side effects. Carefully consider the risks and benefits and discuss with your doctor each therapy before starting any treatment.

Next: Types of GnRH Therapies

References:
1. Antoniazzi F, Zamboni G. Central precocious puberty: current treatment options. Paediatr Drugs. 2004;6(4):211-231.

Indication

SUPPRELIN® LA (histrelin acetate) subcutaneous implant is used for the treatment of children with central precocious puberty (CPP).

Important Safety Information

  • SUPPRELIN LA should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant, and in patients who are allergic to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or GnRH agonist analogs. Safety and effectiveness in children under 2 years of age has not been determined.

  • SUPPRELIN LA, like other GnRH agonists, may cause a temporary increase in the blood levels of specific hormones associated with the onset of puberty (estrogen in girls and testosterone in both sexes) during the first week of treatment. This increase may temporarily worsen puberty symptoms during the first week, additionally, you may see new symptoms appear during this period. Within the 4 weeks of treatment with SUPPRELIN LA, hormonal suppression generally occurs and the physical signs of puberty should decrease.

  • Your doctor should monitor the levels of specific hormones associated with puberty progression, 1 month after starting SUPPRELIN LA and then every 6 months thereafter. Every 6-12 months, height and bone age should be also monitored by your doctor.

  • During the clinical trial testing of SUPPRELIN LA, the most common side effects involved the implant site and included temporary bruising, pain, soreness, redness of the skin and swelling.

Please talk with your doctor for more information or if you have any questions.