Drugs & Vitamins

Leuprolide Implant Active Ingredients: Leuprolide Implant Representative Names: Viadur What is leuprolide implant? 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 implant? What should I watch for while taking leuprolide implant? Where can I keep my medicine? What is leuprolide implant? (Back to top) LEUPROLIDE implant (Viadur™) is a device that releases a continual dose of a drug 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. Certain diseases such as prostate cancer may respond to leuprolide. Generic leuprolide implants are not 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: •osteoporosis •pain or difficulty passing urine •spinal cord metastasis •an unusual or allergic reaction to leuprolide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) The leuprolide implant is placed under your skin by a health care professional in a clinic or office. The implant slowly releases leuprolide into your body for a full year. The implant may be replaced after one year. 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) This does not apply. If you will need to continue leuprolide therapy, you will need to make an appointment to have the implant removed and replaced at one-years time. 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 that 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 implant? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •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 implant? (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. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. The implants are only inserted in an office or clinic setting. 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.