Leuprolide depot injection

What is this medicine?

LEUPROLIDE (loo PROE lide) is a man-made protein that acts like a natural hormone in the body. It decreases testosterone in men and decreases estrogen in women. In men, this medicine is used to treat advanced prostate cancer. In women, some forms of this medicine may be used to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or other female hormone-related problems.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or for injection under the skin. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. The specific product will determine how it will be given to you. Make sure you understand which product you receive and how often you will receive it.

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

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• depression or memory disorders

• pain in your legs or groin

• pain at site where injected or implanted

• seizures

• 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

• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

• 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 or implanted

• 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?

It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Depot injections: Depot injections are given either once-monthly, every 12 weeks, every 16 weeks, or every 24 weeks depending on the product you are prescribed. The product you are prescribed will be based on if you are male or female, and your condition. Make sure you understand your product and dosing.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug 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:

• diabetes

• heart disease or previous heart attack

• high blood pressure

• high cholesterol

• mental illness

• osteoporosis

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• seizures

• spinal cord metastasis

• stroke

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• tobacco smoker

• unusual vaginal bleeding (women)

• 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 weeks of treatment, 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 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.