Triptorelin
Triptorelin, sold under the brand names Decapeptyl and Gonapeptyl among others, is a medication that acts as an agonist analog of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, thus reversibly repressing of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)[1][2].
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Trade names | Decapeptyl, Gonapeptyl, Triptodur, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Micromedex Detailed Consumer Information |
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Drug class | GnRH analogue; GnRH agonist; Antigonadotropin |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Excretion | Kidney |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.165.044 |
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Formula | C64H82N18O13 |
Molar mass | 1311.473 g·mol−1 |
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It is a decapeptide (pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2) and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist) used as the acetate or pamoate salts.
Primary indications include endometriosis, for the reduction of fibroids, for prostatic cancer, and to treat male hypersexuality with severe sexual deviation.[2] The drug has also been used off label to delay puberty in patients with gender dysphoria.[3]
It was patented in 1975 and approved for medical use in 1986.[4]
Medical uses
Triptorelin is used to treat prostate cancer (PCa) as part of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Another ADT injectable medicine commonly used to treat PCa includes Lupron which also targets the pituitary.[5]
Another common use in the United Kingdom is for hormone replacement therapy to suppress testosterone or estrogen levels in transgender people (in conjunction with estradiol valerate for trans women or testosterone for trans men). Spironolactone and cyproterone acetate are other drugs used by trans people to suppress sex hormones, but these drugs have a completely different mechanism of action.[6]
Triptorelin has been used as a chemical castration agent for reducing sexual urges in sex offenders.[7]
Drug action
Triptorelin is a Gonadorelin analogue, also known as Leuteinzing hormone releasing analogue (GnRH analogue, LHRH analogue).[8] The drug binds to receptors in the pituitary gland and stimulates secretion of gonadotrophins (namely luteinzing hormone and Follicle-stimulating hormone). This causes an initial phase of LH and FSH stimulation, prior to down-regulation of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptors, thereby reducing the release of gonadotrophins in the long term, which in turn leads to the inhibition of androgen and oestrogen production.[2]
Side-effects
General side effects can include:[2]
- Anaphylaxis
- Arthralgia
- Asthenia
- Asthma
- Breast tenderness (males and females)
- Changes in Blood pressure
- Changes in breast size
- Depression
- Ovarian cysts
- Mood changes
- Skin rashes
- Hot flushes
- Weight changes
Contra-indications and precautions
Triptorelin should not be used for more than 6 months for endometriosis[2], and should be used with care in patients with metabolic bone disease and osteoporosis due to the risk of osteopenia.[2]
Society and culture
Brand names
Triptorelin is marketed under the brand names Decapeptyl (Ipsen) and Diphereline and Gonapeptyl (Ferring Pharmaceuticals). In the United States, it is sold by Watson Pharmaceuticals as Trelstar and by Arbor Pharmaceuticals as Triptodur (an extended-release 6-month depot injection). In Iran, triptorelin is marketed under the brand name Variopeptyl.
References
- "gonadorelin analogue | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2019-09-21.
- Joint Forumlary Committee (2018). British National Formulary (BNF) 70. London: Pharmaceutical Press. p. 635. ISBN 978-0-85711-173-9.
- Barnes, Hannah; Cohen, Deborah (2019-09-20). "Gender dysphoria in children: puberty blockers study draws further criticism". BMJ. 366: l5647. doi:10.1136/bmj.l5647. ISSN 0959-8138. PMID 31540909.
- Fischer, Jnos; Ganellin, C. Robin (2006). Analogue-based Drug Discovery. John Wiley & Sons. p. 514. ISBN 9783527607495.
- "triptorelin (Intramuscular route)". drugs.com. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
- Wylie, Kevan Richard; Fung, Robert; Boshier, Claudia; Rotchell, Margaret (2009). "Recommendations of endocrine treatment for patients with gender dysphoria". Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 24 (2): 175–187. doi:10.1080/14681990903023306.
- Study: Drug effectively treats pedophilia, CNN, February 11, 1998.
- "gonadorelin analogue | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2019-09-21.
Further reading
- Lahlou N, Carel JC, Chaussain JL, Roger M (July 2000). "Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GnRH agonists: clinical implications in pediatrics". J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 13 Suppl 1: 723–37. doi:10.1515/jpem.2000.13.s1.723. PMID 10969915.
- Padula AM (August 2005). "GnRH analogues—agonists and antagonists". Anim Reprod Sci. 88 (1–2): 115–26. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.05.005. PMID 15955640.