Drugs & Vitamins

Leuprolide Active Ingredients: Leuprolide Representative Names: Eligard, Lupron Available Product Images: What is leuprolide injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with leuprolide? What side effects may I notice from receiving leuprolide? What should I watch for while taking leuprolide? Where can I keep my medicine? What is leuprolide injection? (Back to top) LEUPROLIDE (Lupron®, Eligard™) is a man-made protein that is like a natural hormone in the body called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). 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 leuprolide. Generic leuprolide injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) Leuprolide is for self-injection under the skin. Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Leuprolide comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before beginning treatment. Use the syringes provided in the kit. Do not reuse syringes. Dispose of syringes in a puncture-proof container. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice, even if you feel better. You need an injection of leuprolide every day to keep feeling better. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If you forget until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with leuprolide? (Back to top) •cimetidine •herbal or dietary supplements, like black cohosh, chasteberry, or DHEA •female hormones, like estrogen •male hormones, like testosterone •methyldopa •metoclopramide •prasterone •some medicines for mood or mental problems •reserpine Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription 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? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •depression or memory disorders •difficulty breathing •chest pain •pain in your legs or groin •pain at the injection site •severe headache •visual changes •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 •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 should I watch for while taking leuprolide? (Back to top) 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. Keep the injection bottle straight and make sure the needle tip is in the liquid when drawing the solution into the syringe. You must not use the injection if there is air in the syringe. Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not store near a radiator or other very warm place. Do not use the injection solution if it is not clear or if there are particles present. Return it to the pharmacy. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:10/04/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.