Key facts about Leuprolide Acetate
What dosages is Leuprolide Acetate available in?
Leuprolide Acetate is available as a 7.5 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg injection in a kit with a prefilled dual chamber syringe.
What is Leuprolide Acetate used for?
Leuprolide Acetate is a GnRH agonist used to treat advanced prostate cancer.
How does Leuprolide Acetate work?
Leuprolide Acetate is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, which is a synthetic (lab-made) hormone similar to the GnRH your body naturally makes. Over time, it lowers testosterone levels, which helps slow down the growth of the prostate gland and cancer cells.
How do I take Leuprolide Acetate?
Leuprolide Acetate is administered under the supervision of a physician. The typical dosing range is 7.5 mg to 45 mg injected into your shoulder, buttock, or outer thigh muscle. Depending on the dose, it is injected every month, every 3 months, every 4 months, or every 6 months.
Is it safe for me to take Leuprolide Acetate?
Leuprolide Acetate is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonist or any of the excipients in the product
Leuprolide Acetate Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Leuprolide Acetate:
- Hot flashes or sweats
- Injection site reaction
- General pain
- Tiredness
- Swelling
- Breathing problems
- Digestive system problems
- Urinary problems
- Shrinking of testicles
- High blood pressure
Leuprolide Acetate Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Leuprolide Acetate. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Heart problems: racing heart, fluttering in your chest, abnormal heartbeats, heart attack, stroke
- Seizures
- Metabolic syndrome: hyperglycemia, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs): Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Leuprolide Acetate
The following medications may interact with Leuprolide Acetate:
- Certain tests for pituitary and gonadal function
Who makes Leuprolide Acetate?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Leuprolide Acetate safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal studies, Leuprolide Acetate may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have plans on becoming pregnant. They will recommend what is best for you.
