What Is Histrelin? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Histrelin is a prescription medication used to treat a condition called central precocious puberty (CPP) — a medical condition in which children enter puberty far earlier than normal. It is sold under the brand name Supprelin LA and comes as a small implant that is surgically placed under the skin of the upper arm. Here is everything you need to know about histrelin in 2026.

What Is Histrelin Used For?

Histrelin is FDA-approved for:

[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type "span", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop — as Supprelin LA. CPP is a condition where puberty begins before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys, causing early bone growth that can reduce final adult height.

Note: Histrelin was previously available as Vantas for advanced prostate cancer, but Vantas was permanently discontinued by Endo Pharmaceuticals in September 2021. As of 2026, only the Supprelin LA formulation for CPP remains on the market.

Histrelin is also used off-label for:

Gender-affirming puberty suppression in transgender and gender-diverse youth

Treatment of certain porphyria conditions (acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria)

What Is Central Precocious Puberty?

Central precocious puberty (CPP) occurs when the brain's hypothalamic-pituitary system activates the puberty sequence too early. This causes the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) and sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) years before normal. In girls, CPP is idiopathic (no known cause) in 80–90% of cases. In boys, CPP is more likely to have an underlying cause and warrants thorough evaluation.

Left untreated, CPP can cause premature bone growth and early fusion of the growth plates, leading to shorter adult stature than the child would otherwise achieve. Treatment with Histrelin or other GnRH agonists helps slow or stop puberty progression, allowing normal bone development to continue.

What Drug Class Is Histrelin?

Histrelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It is a synthetic nonapeptide analog of natural GnRH — similar in structure but with approximately 200 times greater potency. Other GnRH agonists in the same class include leuprolide (Lupron Depot), triptorelin (Triptodur), goserelin (Zoladex), and nafarelin (Synarel).

What Is the Dosage and How Is Histrelin Given?

Histrelin (Supprelin LA) is available only as a subcutaneous implant. There are no pills, patches, or at-home injections. The implant contains 50 mg of histrelin acetate and delivers a continuous release of approximately 65 micrograms per day over 12 months.

How the implant is given:

Your child's doctor numbs the inner upper arm with a local anesthetic

A small incision is made in the skin

The implant (a thin flexible tube about 3.5 cm long) is inserted just under the skin

The incision is closed with stitches or surgical strips and covered with a bandage

After 12 months, the implant is removed and, if treatment continues, a new one is inserted

After the procedure, children should keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours, avoid swimming or bathing, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 7 days.

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When Was Histrelin Approved?

Histrelin acetate was first FDA-approved in 1991. The once-yearly implant formulation was approved in 2004. Supprelin LA specifically (for CPP) received FDA approval in 2007. The drug has been available in some form for over 30 years, providing an extensive clinical track record of safety and efficacy.

Is Histrelin a Controlled Substance?

No. Histrelin is not a DEA-controlled substance. It does not have abuse potential and is not scheduled. However, it is a specialty drug that requires a prescription and prior authorization from insurance for coverage.

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How to Access Histrelin in 2026

Supprelin LA is available only through specialty pharmacies and must be shipped to the doctor's office. It requires prior authorization from insurance. The list price is approximately $49,000 per implant, though insurance coverage and the Endo Patient Assistance Program reduce actual patient costs significantly. Use medfinder to find which specialty pharmacies have it in stock, or read our detailed guide: How to find Histrelin near you.