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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Eligard Key Facts
What is Eligard?
Eligard (leuprolide acetate) is a GnRH agonist indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Manufactured by Tolmar, it’s a subcutaneous injection using the ATRIGEL depot delivery system, available in 1-, 3-, 4-, and 6-month formulations (7.5 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg respectively). It reduces testosterone to suppress prostate cancer growth.
What dosages is Eligard available in?
Eligard (leuprolide acetate) is available in four dosing options:
7.5 mg — administered once monthly (every 1 month)
22.5 mg — administered once every 3 months
30 mg — administered once every 4 months
45 mg — administered once every 6 months (only twice a year)
What is Eligard used for?
Eligard is indicated for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. It works as an androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to help lower testosterone levels, which may slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.
How does Eligard work?
Eligard is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. Prostate cancer cells need androgens — particularly testosterone — to replicate and grow. Eligard works by suppressing the production of testosterone in the testicles. Over time, this causes testosterone levels to fall, which can slow tumor growth.
It is important to note that the first injection of Eligard may cause a temporary rise in testosterone levels, known as a “flare.” This typically only occurs with the first injection and your response to treatment will be monitored by your doctor.
How do I take Eligard?
Eligard must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. It is given as a single subcutaneous (SC) injection — injected with a short needle just under the skin. It is not self-administered at home.
Typical dosing schedule based on strength:
7.5 mg: one injection every month
22.5 mg: one injection every 3 months
30 mg: one injection every 4 months
45 mg: one injection every 6 months
The injection is typically administered in areas with sufficient subcutaneous tissue, such as the abdomen or upper buttock area. The unique extended-release delivery technology means Eligard slowly biodegrades under the skin, releasing medicine continuously until your next scheduled injection.
Is it safe for me to take Eligard?
Eligard is a prescription medication with a well-established safety profile based on over 40 years of data with leuprolide acetate. However, like all medications, it can cause side effects. Always discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor before starting treatment.
You should not use Eligard if you:
Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Eligard or to similar GnRH agonist drugs
Are pregnant or may become pregnant (Eligard can cause fetal harm and pregnancy loss)
Your doctor will monitor you closely during treatment, including for blood sugar levels, heart conditions, and signs of tumour flare, particularly in patients whose cancer has spread to the urinary tract or spine.
Eligard Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Eligard include:
Hot flashes or sweats
Fatigue (tiredness) or weakness
Muscle pain
Dizziness or clamminess
Testicular atrophy (shrinkage)
Decreased erections
Enlargement of breasts (gynecomastia)
Common injection site reactions include:
Transient burning and stinging
Pain
Bruising
Redness
Eligard Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are less common but can occur. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
Heart problems: increased risk of heart attack, sudden cardiac death, stroke, or changes in the heart’s electrical activity (irregular heartbeat)
Elevated blood sugar or new onset of diabetes
Convulsions or seizures — these have been reported even in patients without a prior history of seizure disorders
Delayed serious skin reactions: fever, flu-like symptoms, mucosal lesions (sores in the mouth or on mucous membranes), progressive skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes — seek medical attention immediately if these occur
Bone thinning (osteoporosis): long-term use of Eligard may reduce bone density, increasing the risk of fractures
Rare pituitary gland problems have been reported with leuprolide acetate
Urinary blockage or spinal cord compression in patients with cancer that has spread to the urinary tract or spine — typically associated with the initial testosterone flare
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Eligard
No pharmacokinetic-based drug-drug interaction studies have been formally conducted with Eligard. No drug-drug interactions are currently expected with Eligard, which may be a relevant consideration when choosing between androgen deprivation therapies.
Nevertheless, always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you are currently taking, including prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements. Patients with prostate cancer are often on multiple treatments and certain combinations can increase the risk of cardiac side effects.
Who makes Eligard?
Tolmar, Inc.
Is Eligard safe in pregnancy?
No. Eligard is contraindicated in pregnant women. The hormonal changes caused by Eligard increase the risk of pregnancy loss and may cause fetal harm. Women of reproductive potential should be informed of this risk before starting treatment.
Eligard may also impair fertility in males of reproductive potential. Patients who are concerned about fertility should discuss this with their doctor prior to commencing treatment.
What is the generic name for Eligard?
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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