Leuprolide 4 Month (30 mg) – Subcutaneous Injection, Eligard

USES: Leuprolide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need testosterone to grow and spread. Leuprolide reduces testosterone production, slowing or stopping cancer growth and relieving symptoms like painful/difficult urination. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

OTHER: Leuprolide may also treat uterus disorders (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids). It reduces estrogen production in females. Leuprolide may also delay early puberty in children.

HOW TO USE: This medication is injected subcutaneously every 4 months or as directed. It slowly releases over a 4-month period. If you self-inject, follow instructions in the package. If information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before use, allow medication to reach room temperature and check for particles/discoloration. Clean the injection site with alcohol swab and change location with each dose. Use within 30 minutes of mixing. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects may include hot flashes, sweating, night sweats, tiredness, ankle/feet swelling, increased urination at night, dizziness, and mild burning/pain/bruising at the injection site. Talk to your doctor if these effects persist or worsen. Shrinking of the testicles, breast tenderness/swelling, and reduced sexual interest/ability may also occur due to lowered testosterone levels. Contact your doctor if these effects occur.

During the first few weeks of treatment, testosterone levels may increase before decreasing. This may cause new or worsening symptoms temporarily. If you have prostate cancer that has spread to the spine or caused urinary blockage, closer monitoring may be required. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience bone pain, numbness/tingling/weakness of the arms/legs, blood in the urine, painful/difficult urination, unusual weakness, or inability to move. Also, inform your doctor if you have new/worsening bone pain, easily broken bones, increased thirst/urination, mental/mood changes, or very serious side effects such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, irregular heartbeat, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, seizures.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using leuprolide, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Discuss your medical history, especially diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and family history of sudden cardiac death. Leuprolide may weaken bones and increase bone loss (osteoporosis) when used long-term. Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or any risk factors for osteoporosis. This medication may cause dizziness, so avoid activities that require alertness. Do not use leuprolide during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Consult your doctor for reliable forms of birth control. It is unknown if leuprolide passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you use. Keep a list of all your medications and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Regularly undergo lab and/or medical tests to monitor progress.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, promptly contact your doctor to establish a new schedule.

STORAGE: Refrigerate between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep away from children and pets. Safely discard when expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This material is not for distribution, except as authorized by the terms of use. CONDITIONS OF USE: This information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.