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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IMPORTANT SAFETY IMFORMATION FOR ELIGARD

ELIGARD should not be used by anyone who is allergic to any drug product in the same class of products, or who is allergic to any of the ingredients of Eligard, including leuprolide acetate. Life-threatening allergic reactions have been reported with the drugs in Eligard’s class . Eligard should not be used in women who are pregnant of may become pregnant. ELIGARD can cause pregnancy loss and harm to the fetus when used by 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.

Elevated blood sugar and an increased risk of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving the drugs in Eligard’s class. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels. Increased risk of heart attack, sudden death due to heart attack, and stroke has also been reported in men with the use of the drugs in Eligard’s class. Your doctor will monitor you for heart disease.

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, muscle pain, dizziness, clamminess, testicular shrinkage and breast enlargement. For more information on these and other side effects, please talk to your doctor.

Click here for full Prescribing Information and full mixing and administration instructions.

Helping to Manage Side Effects of ELIGARD

There are many things you can do to help manage side effects, including general lifestyle changes that may help you feel better during treatment.

This web site offers tips on how to help manage the most common side effects of ELIGARD:

  • Hot flashes
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach and intestinal upset

Please note that this information is not meant to replace your doctor's advice. Always talk to your doctor or nurse before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.

Hot Flashes

If you have hot flashes, you are not alone. Hot flashes happen to many patients taking ELIGARD. Hot flashes are sometimes described as a sudden rush of warmth in the face, neck, chest, and back, lasting a few seconds to an hour. With ELIGARD, the hot flashes were, overall, mild to moderate in severity. Hot flashes/sweats were severe in 1% of patients in the 7.5mg study and 3% in the 30mg study. In severe cases, speak to your doctor.

"Fatigue" or Extreme Tiredness

Some men have reported extreme tiredness or "fatigue," while taking ELIGARD. It can feel like exhaustion, depression, or difficulty concentrating.

Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue can be related to a number of causes:
  • Inactivity
  • Depression
  • Low red blood cell counts
  • Poor sleep
  • Side effects

It's important to talk to your doctor or nurse about your fatigue to determine the cause.

What to Do About Fatigue

  • First talk to your doctor or nurse to determine the cause of your fatigue.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Don't push yourself to do more than you can manage.
  • Take short walks and exercise, if possible.
  • Eat foods that give you energy (see the next section, "Lifestyle Changes").
  • Try some stress-management techniques (see the next section, "Lifestyle Changes").

Dizziness

You can become lightheaded when blood vessels in the brain become dilated or expand. Blood vessels can expand due to high temperature, excitement, hyperventilation, alcohol consumption, or prescription medications such as drugs to lower blood pressure and antidepressants.

What to Do About Dizziness

If you feel faint, giddy, or light-headed, it may either be a side effect, or it may indicate something more serious. Talk to your doctor or nurse.

Stomach or Intestinal Upset

Some men report stomach or intestinal problems, such as "gastroenteritis," an inflammation of the lining in the stomach or intestines.

What to Do About Stomach or Intestinal Upset

If you experience stomach or intestinal upset, you also may be feeling dehydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Discuss gastrointestinal problems with your doctor, nurse, or nutritionist to see what types of food or medication can help.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor
  • What side effects am I likely to experience?
  • Can you recommend ways to manage side effects?
  • Are the side effects permanent or temporary?
  • Are there certain foods that might help?
  • What form of exercise is right for me?
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