Leuprolide depot injection; Norethindrone oral tablet
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Leuprolide depot injection; Norethindrone oral tablet
What is this medicine?
LEUPROLIDE; NORETHINDRONE (loo PROE lide; nor eth IN drone) is a combination of 2 medicines that help to treat endometriosis in women. Leuprolide is an injection that acts like a natural hormone in the body. Norethindrone is a tablet that is a female hormone.
How should I use this medicine?
Leuprolide is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Take the norethindrone tablets by mouth with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
A patient information sheet will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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
breast swelling, tenderness
breathing problems
changes in vision
depressed mood
loss of memory
pain in your legs or groin
severe headache
shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in a leg
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
stomach pain
swelling of the feet and legs
unusually weak or tired
vaginal infection
visual changes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
anxious
change in menstrual flow
constipation
hot flashes
irritable
loss of appetite
muscle pain
nausea
pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
skin problems or acne
trouble sleeping
weight gain
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
fosamprenavir
bosentan
chasteberry
cisapride
dronedarone
pimozide
thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines
aprepitant
barbiturate medicines, such as phenobarbital
carbamazepine
felbamate
herbal or dietary supplements, like black cohosh or DHEA
modafinil
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (abnormal heart rhythm)
oxcarbazepine
phenytoin
ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
St. John's wort
topiramate
What if I miss a dose?
For the leuprolide injection: Keep your appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
Norethindrone tablets: 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 the norethindrone tablets at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Leuprolide injection is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
breast, cervical, or vaginal cancer
depression
diabetes
heart disease
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
history of blood clots
history of stroke
kidney disease
liver disease
migraine
osteoporosis
seizures
smoke tobacco
unusual vaginal bleeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to leuprolide, norethindrone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Talk to your doctor about using a method of birth control that does not contain hormones.
Using this medicine for a long time may increase your risk of low bone mass. Do not use for more than 2 six-month treatments. Talk to your doctor about bone health.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and 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.
Updated:  
November 22, 2020