What is hormone suppression therapy?
How has hormone suppression therapy changed over time?
How can VANTAS bring more freedom into my life?
What is the size of the VANTAS implant?
How does the VANTAS implant work?
What's the VANTAS implant procedure like?
How do I care for my arm after the VANTAS implant procedure?
When is the VANTAS implant removed?
What are the possible side effects of VANTAS?
What else do I need to know about VANTAS?
How can I be involved in my treatment?
What is hormone suppression therapy?
For decades, hormone suppression therapy has helped men fight prostate cancer. Blocking or suppressing the male hormones, such as testosterone, may slow the growth of this type of cancer. This therapy can't cure prostate cancer, but it can slow the cancer's development.
How has hormone suppression therapy changed over time?
Hormone suppression therapy has historically been given to patients as a series of injections. Now, the VANTAS implant gives you the convenience of 12 months of therapy in just one treatment.
What is the VANTAS implant?
The VANTAS implant is small, flexible, and soft to the touch. The implant's outer shell uses patented HYDRON® polymer technology, the same type of material used in soft contact lenses. The implant is placed under the skin of your inner upper arm, where it releases medicine into your body for a whole year. After a year, you have the implant removed. You and your doctor will then decide whether you should receive another VANTAS implant for the following year.
How can VANTAS bring more freedom into my life?
Receiving therapy over the course of a year used to require multiple treatments, taking a lot of time and effort. Now with VANTAS, you receive effective therapy for 12 months in just one treatment, giving you more freedom to spend your time your way. Just one appointment is all it takes for your doctor to insert the VANTAS implant, which lasts for an entire year. The convenience of a once-yearly implant gives you and your doctor flexibility in scheduling your regular appointments at times that work for you.
What is the size of the VANTAS implant?
The VANTAS implant is small. It is about 3.5 centimeters long with a diameter of 3 millimeters. See image below.
How does the VANTAS implant work?
The VANTAS implant gives you the medicine you need for one entire year, no matter where you are. By doing this VANTAS can continuously keep male hormone levels low, which may slow the growth of your prostate cancer.
What's the VANTAS implant procedure like?
Your doctor can insert the VANTAS implant right in his or her office. It just takes a few minutes and you will be able to go home right after the procedure. Here's what you can expect:
Your doctor will numb the inside of your upper arm
Your doctor will then make a shallow incision (cut) in the inside of your upper arm
Your doctor will then insert the implant just under the skin
The incision will then be closed and covered with a bandage
You will need to keep the bandage on for 24 hours and shouldn't do strenuous work with your arm for 7 days
How do I care for my arm after the VANTAS implant procedure?
Keep the bandage on and dry for at least 24 hours
After 24 hours, you may remove the bandage
Do not scratch or pick at the incision
Be careful not to bump the site for a few days to help the incision heal properly
Do not remove the adhesive strips. Allow them to fall off by themselves
Do not lift, pull or push any heavy objects with your arm for at least 7 days, to allow time for the incision to heal
When is the VANTAS implant removed?
The VANTAS implant will be removed by your doctor after one year. If you and your doctor then decide to continue this treatment, your doctor can give you a new VANTAS implant at this time.
What are the possible side effects of VANTAS?
The most common side effects seen in clinical trials of VANTAS were:
Hot flashes
Tiredness
Skin reactions at the implant insertion site
Testicles become smaller
Urinary problems
Breasts become larger or painful
Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Constipation
Please keep in mind that the side effect profile of VANTAS is similar to that of other LHRH hormone-suppression therapies.
Click here to see full Prescribing Information for a complete description of side effects
What else do I need to know about VANTAS?
After receiving the VANTAS implant for the first time, you may experience an increase in testosterone levels during the first week. This may cause new prostate cancer-related symptoms to appear or your existing symptoms to get worse for a few weeks. Call your doctor right away if you have questions or unexpected problems, especially
New or worsening bone pain
Weakness or loss of feeling in your legs
Blood in your urine
Trouble urinating or if you cannot urinate
VANTAS can cause a loss in bone mineral density. Low bone mineral density can lead to the weakening of bones (osteoporosis). You may have some pain at the insertion site after VANTAS is inserted. You may get some bruising and redness at the site. These reactions usually go away without treatment within 2 weeks. Call your doctor if you have unusual bleeding, redness, or pain at the insertion site.
If the insertion site does not heal properly, VANTAS may fall out of your arm through the incision. This does not occur often. If you believe it has occurred, call your doctor immediately. Also, remember to see your doctor for routine checks on your condition and to ensure that your VANTAS is present and working.
Who should not use VANTAS?
Do not use VANTAS if you are:
Allergic to the medicine histrelin or other medicines called LHRH agonists
A woman. VANTAS has not been studied in women and is not for use in women. VANTAS may harm the unborn baby in a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant. VANTAS may cause a pregnant woman to lose her baby if used while pregnant
A child (under 18 years). VANTAS has not been studied in children and should not be used in children
Before using VANTAS, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How can I be involved in my treatment?
The more involved and knowledgeable you are about your treatment, the better. In addition to following the treatment plan you and your doctor agree to, it's important to keep a positive attitude. So maintain your interests and continue to enjoy your family and friends. It's important to discuss all of your options and questions and side effects with your doctor.