Drug
Leuprolide
Pronounced
"LEW-pro-lide"
Side Effects
Hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, tiredness, headache, upset stomach, breast changes, acne, joint/muscle aches, trouble sleeping, reduced sexual interest, vaginal discomfort/dryness, swelling of the ankles/feet, dizziness, or mild burning/pain/bruising at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
When this medication is used regularly, your menstrual period should stop (or bleeding should get lighter). Menstrual periods usually return within 3 months after treatment is stopped. Tell your doctor promptly if regular periods continue during treatment with leuprolide.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of suicide, mood swings, aggression), new/worsening bone pain, easily broken bones.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using leuprolide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as histrelin, triptorelin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood fat levels (such as high cholesterol/triglycerides), mental/mood problems (such as depression), vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, seizures.
Leuprolide may weaken your bones and increase your risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have osteoporosis or if you have any of the following risk factors for osteoporosis: long-term alcohol use, smoking, family history of osteoporosis and broken bones, use of certain medications (for example, corticosteroids such as prednisone, certain anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin).
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. It is important to prevent pregnancy while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
It is unknown if leuprolide passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.