Indication

ELIGARD is a prescription drug, given by injection, for the management of advanced prostate cancer. However, there is no known cure for prostate cancer.
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For U.S. Residents Only
IMPORTANT SAFETY IMFORMATION

ELIGARD should not be used by women, children, or anyone who is allergic to the drug leuprolide acetate or any of the ingredients of ELIGARD. Leuprolide acetate can cause harm to the fetus if given to a pregnant woman.

ELIGARD, like other drugs in its class, causes a temporary increase in testosterone during the first and second weeks of treatment. Patients may experience worsening of symptoms or new symptoms during the first weeks of treatment, including bone pain, nerve damage, blood in the urine, pressure on the spine, or difficulty urinating. If your cancer has spread to the spine or urinary tract, urinary blockage or pressure in the spine may occur and can sometimes lead to paralysis, which may be fatal. You may require close medical attention during the first few weeks of therapy and you should notify your doctor if you develop any new or worsened symptoms after beginning treatment with ELIGARD.

The most common injection site side effects are temporary burning and stinging, pain, bruising and redness. The most common systemic adverse events include mild to severe hot flashes/sweats, fatigue, weakness, fever, muscle pain, testicular shrinkage and breast enlargement. For more information on these and other side effects, please talk to your doctor.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when cancer cells grow in the prostate. Some prostate cancers grow and spread slowly, and others grow and spread quickly. If unchecked, the cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, like the lymph nodes or bones. Prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate is said to be advanced.

What Are the Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer?

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, we do know some risk factors:
  • Age – In the United States, prostate cancer is more frequently found in men over age 55. More than 70% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65.
  • Family History – Having a brother or father who has had prostate cancer puts you at higher risk.
  • Race – Prostate cancer is more common in African-American men than in white men. It is less common among Asian and Native American men.
  • Diet – Eating a large amount of red meat or high-fat dietary products.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a male hormone produced mainly by the testicles . It stimulates a man's sexual activity and the growth of the sex organs, including the prostate.

Testosterone can be a concern for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer because it can stimulate growth in certain types of prostate cancer. As long as the body produces testosterone, these prostate cancers are likely to continue to grow and spread.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor
  • What role does testosterone play in my prostate cancer?
  • What is my PSA?
  • What are my DRE results?
  • What is my biopsy result?
  • What staging system do you use?
  • What is the stage of my prostate cancer?
  • Can you please explain it to me?
  • What is my Gleason Score?
  • Can you please explain it to me?
Quick Poll
Have you had any of the following prostate cancer treatments?
hormonal therapy
surgery
radiation
chemotherapy
hormonal therapy
 
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surgery
 
  0%
radiation
 
  0%
chemotherapy
 
  0%
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