Leuprolide is a synthetic protein that acts as a natural hormone. It decreases testosterone or estrogen to treat prostate cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. A healthcare provider usually gives you this injection in a hospital or clinic setting.
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LEUPROLIDE (loo PROE lide) reduces the symptoms of prostate cancer. It works by decreasing levels of the hormone testosterone in the body. This prevents prostate cancer cells from spreading or growing.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eligard, Lupron Depot, Lutrate Depot
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medication is injected under the skin or into a muscle. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
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This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medication. Get emergency help if you develop signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.