Leuprolide injection

What is this medicine?

LEUPROLIDE (loo PROE lide) is a man-made hormone. It is used to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer. This medicine may also be used to treat children with early onset of puberty. It may be used for other hormonal conditions.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin or into a muscle. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 8 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• depression or memory disorders

• pain in your legs or groin

• pain at site where injected

• severe headache

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision

• swelling of the feet and legs

• visual changes

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• breast swelling or tenderness

• decrease in sex drive or performance

• diarrhea

• hot flashes

• loss of appetite

• muscle, joint, or bone pains

• nausea

• redness or irritation at site where injected

• skin problems or acne

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• chasteberry

• cisapride

• dronedarone

• pimozide

• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• herbal or dietary supplements, like black cohosh or DHEA

• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections

• male hormones, like testosterone

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (abnormal heart rhythm)

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not use if it is not clear or if there are particles present. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease or previous heart attack

• high blood pressure

• high cholesterol

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• spinal cord metastasis

• stroke

• tobacco smoker

• an unusual or allergic reaction to leuprolide, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor 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 doctor or health care professional, some of them may improve with continued use of this medicine.

Female patients may experience a menstrual cycle or spotting during the first 2 months of therapy with this medicine. If this continues, contact your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.