Leuprolide (Implantation)
Leuprolide (loo-PROE-lide)
Treats problems caused by prostate cancer.
Brand Name(s):Viadur
There may be other brand names for this medicine. When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to leuprolide. Women and children should not receive this medicine. How to Use This Medicine:
Implant
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This medicine comes in a short, thin metal tube that is placed under the skin of your upper, inner arm.
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Your doctor will numb the area, make a small cut, and place the tube of medicine under the skin. Special tape will be used to hold the cut in your skin closed. You will keep a bandage over the cut for a few days.
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For 24 hours after the tube is placed in your arm, keep the cut dry and clean. Do not take a bath or shower, or go swimming for at least 24 hours.
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You should not do physical exercise or work, or lift heavy things, for at least 48 hours after getting the implant.
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After the cut heals, you may do all of your normal activities.
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The tube of medicine will provide a constant amount of the medicine to your body for 12 months.
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Your doctor will remove the tube after 12 months, and may insert another one if you need it.
If a dose is missed:
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If you miss your appointment to remove or insert this implant, call your doctor to make another appointment.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
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This medicine will not cure prostate cancer, but may help some of the problems caused by prostate cancer, such as trouble urinating or bone pain.
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When the medicine is starting to work, your prostate cancer problems may get worse or you may notice new problems. These problems should get better after the first few weeks. Call your doctor if you have increased pain, weakness, or numbness.
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If the cut in your arm has not healed within 2 weeks after you received the implant, call your doctor.
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Your doctor may want to check your blood while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
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This implant will show up on an x-ray. If you need to have an x-ray, CT (CAT) scan, or MRI, be sure to tell the doctor in charge that you have the implant.\
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If you use this medicine for a long period of time, your bones may become thinner. Ask your doctor if this is a risk for you.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Increased bone pain
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Weakness, burning, or tingling of legs or feet
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Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Breast pain or enlargement
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Bruising, burning, redness, pain, swelling, or bleeding around implant
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Depression
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Hot flashes
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Pain in the testicles
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Problems having sex (impotence)
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Sweating
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Weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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