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What is Lupron
 Lupron
is related to a naturally occurring hormone called gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH). GnRH influences the release of the hormones
testosterone and estrogen in the body.
Lupron
is used to reduce the amount of testosterone or estrogen in
the body. It is used for conditions such as cancer of the
prostate, endometriosis (growth of uterine lining outside
of the womb), uterine fibroids, and early puberty (before
8 years of age in females and 9 years of age in males).
Lupron
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Lupron
Lupron can be administered as an intramuscular injection
(into muscle), a subcutaneous injection (under the skin),
as a depot injection (a shot given periodically at a doctor's
office), or as an implant. Your healthcare provider will
administer the depot injection or place the implant under
the skin. If you are injecting Lupron at home, your doctor
or nurse will give you detailed instructions on how and
where to inject the medication. Do not administer an injection
if you are unsure how to properly do so, how much to inject,
or how often to inject the medication. Call your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist to go over the instructions with you.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Lupron
Some forms of leuprolide (e.g., Lupron injection)
contain the preservative benzyl alcohol. Do not use Lupron
without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy
to benzyl alcohol.
Before using Lupron, tell your
doctor if you have any other medical conditions. You may
not be able to use Lupron, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring.
Lupron is in the FDA pregnancy
category X. This means that Lupron is known to cause birth
defects in an unborn baby. Do not use this medication if
you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Lupron passes into breast
milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to
your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use Lupron Use Lupron exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Leuprolide
can be administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the
skin), as an intramuscular (into muscle) depot injection
(a shot given periodically at a doctor's office), or as
an implant. Your healthcare provider will administer the
depot injection or place the implant under the skin. If
you are injecting leuprolide at home, your doctor or nurse
will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. Do not administer an injection if
you are unsure how to properly do so, how much to inject,
or how often to inject the medication. Call your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist to go over the instructions with you.
Leuprolide is injected daily, monthly, every 3 months,
or every 4 months, depending on the formulation being used
and the condition being treated. Different formulations
of leuprolide are not interchangeable. For example, one-third
of the 3-month dose cannot be used as a 1-month dose.
The leuprolide implant (Viadur) is placed under the skin
of the upper, inner arms by your healthcare provider and
delivers medication continuously for 12 months. The implant
must be removed by your healthcare provider after 12 months.
It is important to use Lupron regularly to get the
most benefit.
There may be an increase in symptoms
during the first days or weeks of treatment with Lupron.
This effect will diminish with continued treatment.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical
evaluations during treatment with Lupron to monitor progress
and side effects.
Store Lupron vials for injection
in the original carton, protected from light, until they
are ready to be used. Store the vials at room temperature
(below 77 degrees Fahrenheit) or in the refrigerator. Do
not allow the medication to freeze if you store it in the
refrigerator.
Lupron depot formulations can be stored
at room temperature and should be used immediately after
mixing.
Eligard should be stored in the refrigerator
between 30 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius).
The product should be allowed to reach room temperature
before using. Once mixed, the product must be used within
30 minutes.
If you miss a dose: Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you
missed and use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor
if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a Lupron
overdose are not known but might include decreased activity,
difficulty breathing, and irritation at the injection site.
What should you avoid while using Lupron There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activities while using Lupron. Follow any special instructions
given by your doctor.
After insertion of the implantable
form of leuprolide (Viadur), keep the site clean and dry
for 24 hours. Do not bathe or swim for 24 hours. Avoid heavy
lifting and physical activity for 48 hours and avoid bumping
the site for a few days. After the cut has healed, normal
activity can be resumed.
Possible side effects of Lupron If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop using Lupron and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- difficulty
urinating;
- bone pain; or
- numbness, tingling,
or weakness in the legs or arms.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor
if you experience
- hot flashes or sweating;
-
decreased libido or impotence;
- lack of energy;
- depression;
- breast enlargement;
-
nausea or vomiting;
- constipation;
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- headache; or
- redness,
burning, itching, or swelling at the injection site.
Any woman using leuprolide who experiences menstrual bleeding
during treatment should contact her healthcare provider.
Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Lupron
It
is not known whether Lupron will interact with other medicines.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
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