Decapeptyl Depot Injection belongs to the class of 'anti-neoplastic agents', primarily used to treat prostate cancer in men, endometriosis in women and precocious puberty (early puberty) in children. Prostate cancer is the prostate gland's cancer (a small gland under the bladder secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm) found only in men. Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity. Precocious puberty occurs when a child's body changes into that of an adult or experiences puberty too soon.

Decapeptyl Depot Injection contains Triptorelin that belongs to the class of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. Triptorelin is a synthetic hormone that acts similar to the GnRH, produced by the hypothalamus gland in the brain. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of the natural male hormone, testosterone in men and oestrogen in women. The lowering of testosterone hormone levels in men helps slows down the growth of cancer cells in prostate cancer.

Use Decapeptyl Depot Injection as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dosage depending on your medical condition. The common side effects of Decapeptyl Depot Injection include hot flashes, decreased sexual interest, shrinking of the testicles, breast tenderness or swelling, dizziness, headache, flu symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, upset stomach and swelling in legs. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.

Do not take or stop this medicine, if the doctor did not advise you to do so. Before starting Decapeptyl Depot Injection, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases, recent heart attack, depression, brain tumours, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, fits, weak bones and high cholesterol levels. Decapeptyl Depot Injection is not indicated for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Decapeptyl Depot Injection may make you feel dizzy, hence drive when you are alert only. Decapeptyl Depot Injection is not recommended for children below two years of age.

Decapeptyl Depot Injection contains Triptorelin, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It treats prostate cancer in men, endometriosis in women and precocious puberty (early puberty) in children. Decapeptyl Depot Injection is a synthetic hormone that acts similar to the GnRH, produced by the hypothalamus gland in the brain. Being an anti-neoplastic or anticancer agent, Decapeptyl Depot Injection works by lowering testosterone levels in men that help stop the growth of cancer cells in prostate cancer. Decapeptyl Depot Injection reduces oestrogen (a hormone required for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics) levels in women, thus helps in shrinking of endometriosis. Decapeptyl Depot Injection also has the role of a contraceptive drug.

• Hot flashes
• Decreased sexual interest
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Flu 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Upset stomach
• Swelling in legs 

Inform your doctor if you have any allergic reactions to Decapeptyl Depot Injection or other medications. Before starting Decapeptyl Depot Injection, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases, recent heart attack, depression, brain tumours, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, fits, weak bones and high cholesterol levels. Decapeptyl Depot Injection may cause QT prolongation (heart muscle takes longer than normal to recharge between beats) and may affect heart rhythm, hence heart patients should be cautious while taking Decapeptyl Depot Injection. Decapeptyl Depot Injection can affect the unborn baby when used in pregnancy. Hence, Decapeptyl Depot Injection is not indicated for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding women. If you are using Decapeptyl Depot Injection, make sure to use reliable forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy during the course. Decapeptyl Depot Injection may also affect fertility in men, hence discuss with your doctor if you have any plans to start a family in the future. Decapeptyl Depot Injection can make you feel dizzy and affects your mental ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are not mentally alert and focused. Decapeptyl Depot Injection is not recommended for children younger than two years of age.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Decapeptyl Depot Injection may interact with heart rhythm problems treating drugs (quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol), antibiotics (moxifloxacin), opioid pain killers (methadone) and antipsychotics.

Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Decapeptyl Depot Injection should be used with caution in cases of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases, recent heart attack, depression, brain tumours, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, fits, weak bones and high cholesterol levels.

• QUINIDINE
• PROCAINAMIDE
• AMIODARONE
• SOTALOL
• MOXIFLOXACIN
• METHADONE

• Take the medication as directed by the doctor and at regular intervals. 
• Maintain a fibre-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Include fish, soy, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli and oils containing omega-3 fatty acids such as olive oil as these foods may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Avoid grilled meat, red meat, saturated fat found in animal products, milk and dairy products.
• Exercise regularly to lose weight as obesity is also considered as a risk factor for prostate cancer.
• Eat at regular intervals.
• Keep your weight under control with BMI 19.5-24.9.
• Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products.

• Your doctor may advise liver function tests to monitor your liver health since Decapeptyl Depot Injection may cause increased liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate and serum transaminases).
• Decapeptyl Depot Injection may cause increased serum glucose levels (hyperglycaemia), hence inform your doctor if you have diabetes before starting Decapeptyl Depot Injection.
• Your doctor may advise blood tests and regular examinations of the prostate.
• It is advised to get an electrocardiogram (ECG) done timely to monitor your heart health.

Prostate cancer: It is the cancer of the prostate gland (a small gland under the bladder that secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm) found only in men. The symptoms include difficulty in urination, pain, numbness or sexual problems. It is the most common type of cancer in men.

Endometriosis: It is a disorder in which tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity. It commonly involves ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Symptoms of endometriosis include pain and irregular periods.

Precocious puberty occurs when a child's body changes into that of an adult or experiences puberty too soon. If puberty begins before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys, it is considered precocious puberty. Symptoms in a girl include first period and breast development, whereas, in boy, it causes enlarged testicles and penis,  deepening voice and facial hair.