LEUPROLIDE 4 MONTH (30 MG) - INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION

LEUPROLIDE 4 MONTH (30 MG) - INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LOO-proe-lide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lupron Depot

GENERIC NAME(S): leuprolide acetate

Uses

USES: Leuprolide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Leuprolide works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment.


How to use LEUPROLIDE 4 MONTH (30 MG) - INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using leuprolide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once every 4 months (every 16 weeks). This product slowly releases the medication into your blood over a 4-month period. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Wash your hands and properly mix the medication. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Inject each dose within 2 hours of mixing. If more than 2 hours have passed since mixing, throw out the product and prepare another syringe/dose. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive the next dose. During the first few weeks of treatment, your hormone levels will actually go up before they go down. This is a normal response to this medication. Your symptoms may get worse for a few weeks. If you have prostate cancer that has spread to the spine or caused urinary blockage, you may require closer monitoring by your doctor, especially when you first start treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have any bone pain, numbness/tingling/weakness of the arms/legs, blood in the urine, painful/difficult urination, unusual weakness, or inability to move.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, tiredness, swelling of the ankles/feet, increased urination at night, dizziness, or mild burning/pain/bruising at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Infrequently, shrinking of the testicles, breast tenderness/swelling, or reduced sexual interest/ability may also occur as a result of lowered testosterone levels. Talk to your doctor if these effects occur. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: new/worsening bone pain, easily broken bones, increased thirst/urination, mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of suicide, mood swings, aggression). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion), seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. Rarely, a very serious problem with your pituitary gland (pituitary apoplexy) may occur, usually in the first hour to 2 weeks after your first injection. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: sudden severe headache, sudden severe mental/mood changes (such as severe confusion, difficulty concentrating), vision changes, severe vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using leuprolide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart disease (such as heart attack), stroke, high cholesterol, mental/mood problems (such as depression), seizures. Leuprolide may weaken your bones and increase your risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have osteoporosis or if you have any of the following risk factors for osteoporosis: long-term alcohol use, smoking, family history of osteoporosis and broken bones, use of certain medications (for example, corticosteroids such as prednisone, certain anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin). Leuprolide may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using leuprolide, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using leuprolide safely. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above). This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. It is important to prevent pregnancy while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if leuprolide passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for LEUPROLIDE 4 MONTH (30 MG) - INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION

Leuprolide is a medication used in the treatment of certain conditions such as prostate cancer, endometriosis, and central precocious puberty.

Leuprolide works by suppressing the production of certain hormones in the body, such as testosterone and estrogen, in order to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells or alleviate symptoms associated with certain conditions.

Leuprolide is administered as an intramuscular injection. It is usually given once every 4 months, and the injection is typically administered by a healthcare professional.

Common side effects of leuprolide may include hot flashes, headache, injection site reactions, decreased libido, mood changes, and bone pain. It is important to discuss any unusual or severe side effects with your doctor.

Yes, leuprolide can interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Leuprolide is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Insurance coverage for leuprolide may vary depending on your insurance plan and the specific indication for which it is prescribed. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider to determine coverage prior to starting treatment.

If you miss a scheduled dose of leuprolide, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider for advice. They will guide you on the next steps and any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

The onset of leuprolide's effects varies depending on the condition being treated. It may take a few weeks or even months for the full therapeutic benefits to be observed. Your doctor will monitor your progress and provide guidance accordingly.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.