Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Drugs that are not chemotherapy

Leuprolide depot injection

What does leuprolide depot injection do?

LEUPROLIDE (Lupron®) is a man-made protein that is like a natural hormone in the body called gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Regular injections of leuprolide decrease the levels of testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Certain diseases such as prostate cancer and endometriosis may respond to decreased levels of testosterone (men) or estrogen (women). Leuprolide may also be used for the treatment of early sexual maturity in children (precocious puberty). Generic leuprolide depot injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive leuprolide?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions (some only apply to women):

·menstrual bleeding problems

·osteoporosis

·pain or difficulty passing urine

·spinal cord metastasis

·vaginal bleeding

·an unusual or allergic reaction to leuprolide, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

·pregnant or trying to get pregnant

·breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Leuprolide depot is for injection into a muscle. It is only administered under the supervision of a prescriber or health care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What other medicines can interact with leuprolide?

·black cohosh

·female hormones

·male hormones

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving leuprolide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

·difficulty breathing

·chest pain

·pain in your legs or groin

·pain at the injection site

·vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

·breast swelling or tenderness

·decreased sexual desire or ability (impotence)

·diarrhea

·dizziness or drowsiness

·headache

·hot flashes (sudden feelings of warmth or sweating)

·loss of appetite

·muscle and joint, or bone pains

·nausea

·redness or irritation at the injection site

·skin problems (acne)

·swelling of the feet and legs

What do I need to watch for while I receive leuprolide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. During the first week, your symptoms may get worse, but then will improve as you continue your treatment. You may get hot flashes, increased bone pain, increased difficulty passing urine, or an aggravation of nerve symptoms. Discuss these effects with your prescriber or health care professional, some of them may improve with continued use of leuprolide. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.

Where can I keep my medicine?

This medicine is given by a health care professional in a clinic or office setting. You will not need to take this medicine at home.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 3/21/00]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.

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