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Printable Version Leuprolide Depot Injection

Active Ingredients: Leuprolide Depot Injection
Representative Names: Lupron Depot, Lupron Depot - 3 Month, Lupron Depot - 4 Month, Lupron Depot-Ped
Available Product Images:

What is leuprolide depot 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 depot injection? (Back to top)
LEUPROLIDE (Lupron®) 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. 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 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 depot is for injection into a muscle. It is only administered under the supervision of a prescriber or health care professional.

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

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 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? (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. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
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.


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.

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