LEUPROLIDE
LEUPROLIDE (LOO-pro-lied)
Other Names for this Medication: Lupron ®, Lupron Depot ®, Eligard ® (Brand Names)
Appearance
Leuprolide Injection: Cloudy solution for injection into a muscle or deep under the skin.
Why this Medication is Used
Leuprolide may be used for the treatment of prostate cancer. It may also be used for the treatment of cancer of the cervix, uterus, or breast
How do you take this Medication
Leupron Depot® is injected once a month or once every 3-4 months by your doctor or nurse. It is injected into a muscle. Leupron® monthly injection and Eligard® are injected subcutaneously (deep under the skin).
Precautions
• Lupron preparations may be stored at room temperature, in a cool dry place. Protect from light. Eligard® should be kept refrigerated between 2-8°C
• Keep all medications and syringes out of the reach of children.
• Be sure to visit your doctor every time for a repeat injection. Take your syringe with you.
• Check with your doctor if you are planning to have children – Leuprolide may prevent conception or pregnancy.
• If side effects bother you, check with your doctor before you stop this drug.
For more information on this medication, please call your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
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SIDE EFFECTS |
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO |
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MORE COMMON: |
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| • Sudden sweating, feelings of warmth (hot flashes).
• Decrease in sexual desire or impotence |
• Contact your doctor or nurse if these feelings bother you.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if these symptoms bother you |
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LESS COMMON: |
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| • Irritation or redness at injection site
• Chest pain, irregular heart beat • Shortness of breath • Constipation • Swelling or tenderness of breasts • Diarrhea • Swelling of feet or legs • Dizziness • Trouble sleeping • Headache • Weight gain • Loss of appetite • Tiredness • Nausea or vomiting • Blurred vision • Bone pain • Numbness/tingling of hands or feet • Increased pain or difficulty in urination. |
• Check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of these side effects.
• These side effects may go away as your body gets used to the drug. Check with your doctor or nurse if any of these bother you or if they persist. • Check with your doctor or nurse if any of these symptoms persist for several days, or get worse |
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RARE: |
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| • Blood clots, causing pain in chest, groin or legs (especially calves of legs), or sudden shortness of breath. | • Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY! |