Trelstar (triptorelin pamoate) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for advanced prostate cancer in adults. Trelstar comes as an intramuscular injection that’s typically given by a healthcare professional. The dosage can vary, depending on your dosing schedule.
Trelstar belongs to a drug class called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Trelstar isn’t available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Trelstar, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Trelstar, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Trelstar provided by the drug’s manufacturer. However, your doctor will prescribe the Trelstar dosage that’s right for you.
Below is information about Trelstar’s recommended dosages.
Trelstar form
Trelstar comes as a solution that’s given as an intramuscular injection. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give your injections at your doctor’s office.
Trelstar strengths
Trelstar comes in three strengths:
- 3.75 milligrams (mg)
- 11.25 mg
- 22.5 mg
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly recommended in adults. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for advanced prostate cancer
Doctors may prescribe Trelstar to treat advanced prostate cancer.
If your doctor prescribes Trelstar for your prostate cancer, your starting dosage will depend on a dosing schedule you and your doctor decide is the best fit for you. You have the option to receive your dose every 4 weeks, every 12 weeks, or every 24 weeks.
The table below shows the typical dosage schedule based on different dosage frequencies.
| Dose in milligrams (mg) | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| 3.75 mg | one injection every 4 weeks |
| 11.25 mg | one injection every 12 weeks |
| 22.5 mg | one injection every 24 weeks |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Long-term treatment
Trelstar is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Trelstar is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Before you start taking Trelstar, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Trelstar.
Trelstar comes as a solution in a single-dose vial. It’s supplied in an injection kit that has all the pieces your healthcare professional needs to give you your dose. It’s given as an intramuscular injection.
With a Trelstar intramuscular injection, your doctor will inject the medication into either buttock muscle. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you your doses.
Your doctor will choose a different injection site on your buttocks each time they inject Trelstar. Your doctor will also avoid areas where your skin is tender, hard, or irritated. This will reduce your risk of injection-related side effects, such as bleeding or pain at the injection site.
If you have questions about how to use Trelstar, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you miss your appointment for a Trelstar injection, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll adjust your dosing schedule as needed.
If you need help remembering your appointments, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Trelstar.
Is the dosage of Trelstar similar to the dosage of Lupron Depot?
Yes, the forms and how often you take each drug are similar. Trelstar and Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate) are both intramuscular injections that can be taken on 4-week, 12-week, or 24-week dosing schedules. But Lupron Depot can also be taken on a 16-week dosing schedule. Both drugs also belong to the same drug class: GnRH.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. The active ingredient in Trelstar is triptorelin pamoate. The active ingredient in Lupron Depot is leuprolide acetate. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Trelstar to start working?
Trelstar starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Trelstar treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Trelstar for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
If you have questions about the dosage of Trelstar that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Trelstar. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Trelstar: For information about other aspects of Trelstar, refer to this article.
- Side effects: To learn about side effects of Trelstar, see the Trelstar prescribing information.
- Details about your condition: For details about advanced prostate cancer, see our cancer hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.