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Leuprolide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Leuprolide works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination.Other leuprolide products may also be used to treat disorders of the uterus (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids). In females, leuprolide reduces the amount of estrogen that the body makes. Leuprolide may also be used to stop early puberty in children.
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Lupron Depot (4 Month) IM images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Lupron Depot (4 Month) IM
Uses
Leuprolide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Leuprolide works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination.Other leuprolide products may also be used to treat disorders of the uterus (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids). In females, leuprolide reduces the amount of estrogen that the body makes. Leuprolide may also be used to stop early puberty in children.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood testosterone level, PSA blood test) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from moisture.
- Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
- Once mixed, use the medication immediately.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- This medication is given as an injection into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually once every 4 months by a health care professional or as directed by your doctor.
- This product slowly releases the medication into your blood over a 4-month period.If you are directed to inject this medication yourself, learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package.
- Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
- If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problem areas under the skin.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive the next dose.
Side Effects
- Hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, tiredness, swelling of the ankles/feet, increased urination at night, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings), dizziness, or mild burning/pain/bruising at the injection site may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Infrequently, shrinking of the testicles, breast tenderness/swelling, and reduced sexual interest/ability may also occur as a result of lowered testosterone levels.
- Talk to your doctor if these effects occur.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.During the first few weeks of treatment, your level of testosterone will actually increase before it decreases.
- This is a normal response by your body to this drug.
- This may sometimes result in new or worsening symptoms for a few weeks.
- If you have prostate cancer that has spread to the spine or caused urinary blockage, you may require closer monitoring by your doctor, especially when you first start treatment.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: bone pain, numbness/tingling/weakness of the arms/legs, blood in the urine, painful/difficult urination, unusual weakness, inability to move.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new/worsening bone pain, easily broken bones.Rarely, a very serious problem with your pituitary gland (pituitary apoplexy) may occur, usually in the first hour to 2 weeks after your first injection.
- Seek immediate medical attention if any of these very serious side effects occur: sudden severe headache, sudden severe mental/mood changes (e.g., severe confusion, difficulty concentrating), vision changes, severe vomiting, fainting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using leuprolide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.Leuprolide may weaken your bones and increase your risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have osteoporosis or if you have any of the following risk factors for osteoporosis: long-term alcohol use, smoking, family history of osteoporosis and broken bones, use of certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids such as prednisone, certain anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin).This drug may make you dizzy.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Leuprolide must not be used during pregnancy.
- It may harm an unborn baby.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss reliable forms of birth control.
- Non-hormonal birth control methods are recommended during treatment with leuprolide.It is not known if leuprolide passes into breast milk.
- Because the effects of leuprolide on a nursing infant are unknown, breast-feeding is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- It is very important that you do not miss any doses.
- However, if you do miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to establish a new schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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