Drug
Leuprolide
Pronounced
"LEW-pro-lide"
Side Effects
Hot flashes (flushing), headache, breast changes, acne/seborrhea, vaginal discomfort/dryness, vaginal bleeding/discharge, or mild pain/irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the doctor or pharmacist promptly.
When this medication is used regularly, it is expected that the menstrual period will stop or decrease to light bleeding/spotting during the first 2 months. Tell the doctor promptly if regular periods continue after 2 months of treatment with leuprolide.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because the doctor has judged that the benefit 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 non-stop crying, irritability, mood swings, aggression).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.
Children using leuprolide may be at risk for increased pressure around the brain (intracranial hypertension). Get medical help right away if your child has any of these very serious side effects: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, headache that is severe or doesn't go away, eye pain, vision changes (such as blurred/double vision, decreased vision), ringing in the ears.
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 the 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 the doctor or pharmacist if your child is allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as histrelin, triptorelin); or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to the pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist the child's medical history, especially of: mental/mood problems (such as depression), seizures.
Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist about all the products being used (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. 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.