LEUPROLIDE ACETATE
Background and Date of Approval
Leuprolide Acetate is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist approved for its medical use on 9th April 1985.
Uses
Leuprolide Acetate Injection has been developed to treat solid tumors by injecting it directly into the bloodstream. Leuprolide Acetate Injection has been approved to treat several conditions such as prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and other hormonal conditions.
How is it administered?
Leuprolide acetate Injection is available in different doses. This injection will be mostly administered by your doctor or nurse on your arm, thigh or abdomen after preparation. The site of injecting this medicine will be changed regularly. Your healthcare provider will administer this medicine once in three months.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Leuprolide Acetate Injection are hot flashes, headache, vaginal inflammation for women, depression, weight loss/gain, pain, nausea, vomiting, low libido and dizziness. If you experience any reactions such as excessive sweating, breathlessness, severe headache, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, severe rash, rapid heartbeat or blood in cough. During the treatment with Leuprolide Acetate injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood cholesterol and liver parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of diabetes, bone problems or heart failure. Get immediate medical attention if you have pain, weakness or loss of sensation in your legs or difficulty passing urine.
Precautions
Leuprolide Acetate is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is essential to discuss possible contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment.
Word of Advice
If you experience dizziness, tiredness or any visual disturbances, you should avoid driving or handling machines. Maintain adequate nutrition and fluid intake. Wear protective clothing and apply good quality sunscreen to protect your skin.
References
AbbVie Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 12th April 2023 ], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/020011s042,019943s035lbl.pdf Dallas V. Swayzer; Valerie Gerriets, StatPearls [Internet], [Revised on 11th Jul 2022] [Accessed on 12th April 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551662/ Takeda UK Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jun 2022] [Accessed on 13th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4651.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leuprolide Acetate Injection used as a monotherapy?
Leuprolide Acetate Injection is a Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist indicated for hormonal conditions like prostate cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, etc. It is prescribed either alone or with other medications to improve symptoms.
Is it safe for women to use Leuprolide Acetate Injection?
Leuprolide Acetate is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women and girls need to discuss possible contraceptive methods with their healthcare providers before beginning this treatment.
What are the side effects of Leuprolide acetate?
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Leuprolide Acetate Injection are hot flashes, headache, vaginal inflammation for women, depression, pain, weight gain/loss, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido and dizziness.
When should you contact your doctor?
Contact your doctor right away if you have pain, weakness or loss of sensation in your legs or difficulty passing urine during this treatment.
How is Leuprolide Acetate Injection administered?
Leuprolide Acetate Injection is injected into your skin or intramuscularly into the arms, thigh or abdomen. The dose depends on your overall health condition.
Who should not receive a Leuprolide acetate injection?
Leuprolide acetate is not recommended for people with a history of diabetes, bone problems or heart failure.