Leuprolide injection (Eligard, Lupron Depot) is used to treat the symptoms associated with advanced prostate cancer. Leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot-PED) is used to treat central precocious puberty (CPP; a condition causing children to enter puberty too soon, resulting in faster than normal bone growth and development of sexual characteristics) in girls usually younger than 8 years of age and in boys usually younger than 9 years of age. Leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot) is used alone or with other medication to treat endometriosis (a condition in which the type of tissue that lines the uterus [womb] grows in other areas of the body and causes pain, heavy or irregular menstruation [periods], and other symptoms). Leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot) is also used with other medication to treat anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells) caused by uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus). Leuprolide injection is in a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body.
Leuprolide injection comes as a long-acting suspension (Lupron) that is injected intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic and is usually given once a month (Lupron Depot, Lupron Depot-PED) or every 3, 4, or 6 months (Lupron Depot-3 month, Lupron Depot-PED-3 month, Lupron Depot-4 month, Lupron Depot-6 Month). Leuprolide injection also comes as a long-acting suspension (Eligard) that is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic and is usually given every 1, 3, 4, or 6 months. Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment with leuprolide injection will last. When used in children with precocious puberty, leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot-PED, Lupron Depot-PED-3 month) will likely be stopped by your child's doctor before 11 years of age in girls and 12 years of age in boys.
If you receive leuprolide long-acting suspension (Eligard) as a subcutaneous injection, you may notice a small bump at the place where the injection was given when you first receive the medication. This bump should eventually go away.
Leuprolide may cause an increase in certain hormones in the first few weeks after injection. Your doctor will monitor you carefully for any new or worsening symptoms during this time.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If you miss an appointment to receive an injection of leuprolide, you should call your healthcare provider right away to reschedule your appointment.
tiredness
hot flashes (a sudden wave of mild or intense body heat), sweating, or clamminess
breast tenderness, pain, or change in breast size in both men and women
vaginal discharge, dryness, or itching in women
spotting (light vaginal bleeding) or menstruation (periods)
decrease in size of testicles
decrease in sexual ability or desire
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
pain, burning, bruising, or hardening at place where injection was given
change in weight
muscle or joint pain
flu-like symptoms
acne
depression
unable to control emotions and frequent mood changes
nervousness
general feeling of discomfort or uneasiness
difficulty with memory
redness or swelling at place where injection was given
itching, rash, or hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
pain in the arms, back, chest, neck, or jaw
slow or difficult speech
dizziness or fainting
weakness, numbness, or inability to move an arm or leg
bone pain
painful, frequent, or difficult urination
blood in urine
extreme thirst
weakness
dry mouth
nausea
vomiting
breath that smells fruity
decreased consciousness
sudden headache
blurred vision
vision changes
difficulty moving eyes
drooping eyelids
confusion
Leuprolide injection may cause a decrease in the density of your bones which can increase the chance of broken bones. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication and to find out what you can do to decrease these risks.
In children receiving leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot-PED) for precocious puberty, new or worsening symptoms of sexual development may occur during the first few weeks of treatment. In girls receiving leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot-PED) for precocious puberty, the onset of menstruation or spotting (light vaginal bleeding) may occur during the first two months of treatment. If bleeding continues beyond the second month, call your doctor.
Leuprolide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests and take certain measurements to check your body's response to leuprolide injection. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about leuprolide injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 09/15/2011
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.