Leuprolide (Injection)

Leuprolide (loo-PROE-lide)

Treats prostate cancer in men, endometriosis or fibroid tumors in women, and premature puberty in children.

Brand Name(s):

Lupron Depot, Eligard Kit, Eligard, Lupron Depot-Ped
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. You should not use leuprolide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• Leuprolide injection is given by different methods depending on the condition being treated. Sometimes it is injected into the skin, other times into a muscle. For some conditions it is given every day, for others it is given once a month or every few months.
• Leuprolide should be given by a health professional or by a person who has been trained to give a shot.
• Sometimes, you, a family member, or a friend can be trained to give your medicine.
• Avoid shaking the medicine bottle.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Leuprolide should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You should not use the medicine after the expiration date on the bottle has passed.
• Before each injection, look carefully at the medicine to check for any particles or a change in color. You should not use medicine that has changed color or has particles in it.
• If you get your medicine at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles and syringes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

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:

• Talk with your doctor before using leuprolide if you have a medical condition that has caused a blockage in your urinary tract, or if you have ever had a tumor on your spine.
• Also tell your doctor if you have heart disease or osteoporosis, or if you are breastfeeding a baby.
• When you first start using leuprolide, your symptoms may increase for a few days. This should clear up as you continue to use the medicine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or get worse.
• If you are a woman, your menstrual periods should stop while you are using leuprolide. You may have occasional bleeding or spotting. If you continue to have heavy bleeding or regular periods after 2 months of using this medicine, call your doctor.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medicine will affect you.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Redness or swelling where the injection is given
• Vaginal bleeding that is heavier than spotting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Acne
• Bone pain
• Breast pain or swelling (in men or women)
• Decrease in the size of the testicles
• Headache
• Hot flashes
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of sexual ability (impotence)
• Skin rash
• Swelling or puffiness in your face, hands, ankles, or feet
• Vaginal itching, swelling, or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.