WHAT IS LUPRON?
Lupron (leuprolide) reduces the amount of testosterone in men or estrogen in women by overstimulating the body’s own production of certain hormones.
This drug is used in men to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer. Note that lupron only treats the symptoms of prostate cancer and does not treat the cancer itself. Lupron Depot is used in women to treat symptoms of endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Lupron Depot-Ped is used to treat precocious (early-onset) puberty in children of any gender.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LUPRON
Certain brands or strengths of leuprolide are used to treat only men and should not be used in women or children. Always check your medicine to make sure you have received the correct brand and strength, and ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you’ve received.
Your symptoms may become temporarily worse when you first start using Lupron. Tell your doctor if this continues for longer than 2 months. Call your doctor at once if you have a seizure, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Do not use lupron is you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as lupron can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects.
BEFORE TAKING LUPRON
You should not use Lupron if you are allergic to leuprolide or similar medicines such as buserelin, goserelin, histrelin, nafarelin, or if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.
To make sure Lupron is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- Depression, mental illness or psychosis
- Seizures or epilepsy
- A brain tumor or blood vessel disorder
- Heart disease, congestive heart failure, long QT syndrome
- Diabetes
- An electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood)
- Risk factors for bone loss (personal or family history of osteoporosis, smoking, alcohol use, taking steroid or seizure medicines long term)
Lupron usually causes women to stop ovulating or having menstrual periods. However, you may still be able to get pregnant. Use a barrier form of birth control (condom or diaphragm with spermicide) while taking lupron, as hormonal contraception like birth control pills may not be effective enough to prevent pregnancy during your treatment.
Call your doctor if your periods continue while you are being treated with Lupron.
HOW SHOULD I USE LUPRON?
Lupron Depot injection is injected into a muscle, every 1 to 6 months, under the supervision of a physician. You may be shown how to use Lupron injections at home, but do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Different brands or strengths of leuprolide are used to treat different conditions. It is very important that you receive exactly the brand and strength your doctor has prescribed. Always check your medication to make sure you have received the correct brand and type prescribed by your doctor.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Lupron if you don’t understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Your symptoms may become temporarily worse as your hormones adjust to leuprolide. Keep using the medicine as directed, and tell your doctor if your condition is still worse after 2 months of using this medicine.
Leuprolide can have long lasting effects on your body. You may need frequent medical tests while using this medicine and for a short time after your last dose.
Store Lupron in the original carton at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Protect from light. Mixed Lupron Depot injection should be used immediately (within 30 minutes) as it does not contain a preservative.
LUPRON SIDE EFFECTS
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lupron: (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- Bone pain, loss of movement in any part of your body
- Swelling, rapid weight gain
- A seizure
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior (crying spells, anger, feeling irritable)
- Sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack
- Painful or difficult urination
- High blood sugar – increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.
Rare but serious side effects may occur. Call your doctor if you have:
- Pain or unusual sensations in your back, numbness, weakness, or tingly feeling in your legs or feet
- Muscle weakness or loss of use, loss of bowel or bladder control
- Heart attack symptoms – chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating
- Signs of a stroke – sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech
Common Lupron side effects may include:
- Hot flashes, sweating, acne, rash, itching, scaly skin
- Mood changes
- Headache, general pain
- Vaginal swelling, itching, or discharge
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Weight gain
- Decreased testicle size
- Redness, pain, swelling, or oozing where the shot was given