Who should NOT use ELIGARD
ELIGARD contains a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-like substance. This hormone
induces the release of other hormones that stimulate the functioning of the testes
and ovaries. ELIGARD should not be used by women, children, or patients who may
be sensitive to the GnRH hormone or similar agents, or to any of the components
of ELIGARD.
Important information specific to LHRH agonists
Like other LHRH agonists, ELIGARD 1-month, 3-month, and 4-month, and 6-month formulations
cause a temporary increase in testosterone levels during the first week of treatment.
Some patients may experience worsening of symptoms or notice new signs and symptoms
during the first few weeks of treatment. Some of these signs and symptoms may include
bone pain, nervous system disorders, blood in the urine, or difficulties with urination.
Rare cases of urinary tract blockage and/or increased pressure on the spinal cord,
which may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications, have occurred
in patients who are on LHRH agonists for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate
cancer. If you begin to experience increased pressure on the spinal cord or problems
with normal kidney function, your doctor will prescribe standard treatment for these
complications. Additionally, as recommended with other LHRH agonists, your health-care
provider will periodically check your PSA level and testosterone levels.
Side effects with ELIGARD 1-month, 3-month, and 4-month and 6-month therapies
The most common side effects with ELIGARD® (leuprolide acetate for
injectable suspension) 1-month and 3-month therapies are extreme tiredness, dizziness,
hot flashes/ sweats, reduction of the size of the testes, stomach or intestinal
upset, joint pain, urinary frequency, and itching. The most common side effects
with ELIGARD 4-month therapy are hot flashes, extreme tiredness, reduction of the
size of the testes, breast enlargement, testicular pain, clamminess, night sweats,
hair loss, frequent need to urinate (especially at night), dizziness, decreased
libido, muscle pain, and nausea. The most common side effects with ELIGARD 6-month
therapy are hot flashes, fatigue, weakness, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, night
sweats and pain in limbs.
ELIGARD is an LHRH agonist that lowers testosterone. Therefore, it often causes
hot flashes. In clinical studies in men with advanced prostate cancer, the majority
of men experienced hot flashes. However, the majority of the hot flashes were mild
in men who used ELIGARD.
You may also experience skin reactions at the injection site, including burning
or stinging, pain, redness, and bruising. In clinical studies, most of these skin
reactions were described as mild and brief in duration.
Be sure to tell your health-care provider about any ELIGARD side effects you experience,
and ask about what you can do to minimize them.
For full prescribing information, click here.
If you have any questions about prostate cancer or therapy with ELIGARD, be sure
to ask your health-care provider.