For U.S. Residents Only
INFORMATION FOR CAREGIVERS
IMPORTANT SAFETY IMFORMATION
Prostate Cancer Partner’s Corner
Many men view having prostate cancer as a threat to their sexuality. It may be difficult
for your partner to deal with the thought of losing his sex drive and/or his ability
to get an erection. Your partner may have a difficult time accepting that all prostate
cancer therapies can affect his testosterone.
If your partner has had surgery (prostatectomy)
or radiation therapy, he may experience the loss of the ability to achieve or maintain
an erection, called
erectile dysfunction and/or the loss of libido (sex drive). The side
effects may be temporary or permanent, depending upon the patient. Radiation can
also affect some men's ability to have an erection. About one third to one half
of men treated by radiation may experience some degree of erectile dysfunction.
Hormonal prostate cancer therapy with LHRH agonists, which suppress testosterone
production, can impact sexual function and desire. Not all men who receive hormonal
prostate cancer therapy experience sexual side effects.
Many men don't want to talk about these issues of sexual dysfunction. Try to have
an honest conversation with your partner about your sexual relationship—what
it was before treatment, what it is now, and how you can each find satisfaction.
You both may want to consider the various medications, implants, injections, and
devices that are available to treat erectile dysfunction. Even if you aren't interested
in exploring such options, sexual intimacy and pleasure can be found in many ways.
Start by having an honest conversation with your partner about sexual issues. Talk
to your doctor, counselor, or therapist if you need additional help.
Have you ever been treated with a hormonal therapy?
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LHRH agonist 0% |
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antiandrogen therapy 0% |
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estrogen therapy 0% |
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orchiectomy (surgery) 0% |
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no 0% |
Important Safety Information
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.
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.
Please see and full mixing and administration instructions.
Click here
for information on drug anti-counterfeiting.
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