Drug
Leuprolide
Pronounced
"LEW-pro-lide"
Uses
Leuprolide is used to treat certain disorders (such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids). For the treatment of uterine fibroids, leuprolide is usually given with iron to help improve anemia that is caused by too much vaginal bleeding. Leuprolide helps to reduce symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful/heavy menstrual periods, and abdominal bloating. It works by shrinking the abnormal tissue that causes these symptoms. The abnormal tissue needs the hormone estrogen to grow and spread. Leuprolide helps to decrease the amount of estrogen that is made in the body.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for prostate cancer.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using leuprolide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once every month. This product slowly releases the medication into your blood over a 1-month period.
The length of treatment is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and lab tests.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
During the first few weeks of treatment, your hormone levels will actually go up before they go down. This is a normal response to this medication. Your symptoms may get worse for a few weeks.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse. It may take at least 3 months for your symptoms to get better.