The Role of a Supprelin (Histerlin) Implant

One of the treatment options is a subcutaneous implant in the upper arm slightly above the elbow. It slowly releases a small dose of a drug that increases the body’s production of some hormones while decreasing others. The implant is replaced about every year and when the child has reached an age where they no longer need it, they will have it removed and go through puberty as is typical. Hormones are routinely monitored through blood work on patients to assess if the implant is working, needs to be replaced, or can be removed. Treatment is typically stopped around 11 years old for females and 12 years for males.

The Role of Child Life

Families look to child life for developmentally appropriate education and support. At times child life specialists educate the patient directly and other times provide the tools for caregivers to educate their child. The same is true when discussing puberty with children. This is amplified when it involves precocious puberty because children are younger, and families may not have prepared to have these conversations when body changes have started becoming noticeable to the child or others around them. When children come with some level of understanding about the appointment, then child life focuses on the steps of implant insertion procedure and developing a coping plan.

In the clinic where I work, child life specialists receive referrals to assist patients with preparation and procedural support when they are getting a Supprelin implant. A general surgeon places the implant which can be done in a clinic (without sedation) or on a sedation unit with mild, moderate, or deep sedation or in an operating room. The level of sedation depends on the anxiety of the patient, coping plan, and if the child is a candidate for sedation. Child life can often be involved in assessing the patients’ coping to see if the patient would benefit from a local anesthetic such as a numbing cream or lidocaine injection or if the patient will need more sedation to be able to cope with the procedure. Often caregivers and patients are surprised at how well they cope with numbing cream, lidocaine, and child life support during the procedure without needing more medication.

Many children and families are relieved to learn that other children are going through this same diagnosis.

Resources for Families

The generic implant is called a Histerlin implant, but the name brand Supprelin implant is commonly used. While I do not represent the company in any way, I appreciate the resources that the Supprelin company offers to caregivers and families prior to coming for an implant. Families can go on to the Supprelin drug company’s website to order free resources. Families can order a caregiver toolkit to learn more. The kits are available in English and Spanish. This includes a book, an implant without the drug inside, and a video.