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.

Chemotherapy

  • A form of drug treatment that kills cancer cells; there are many types of chemotherapy drugs for prostate cancer.
  • Usually used to treat advanced prostate cancer after hormonal therapy has failed.
  • Also being studied for use earlier in the disease state.
  • Can be taken by pill or put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscles.

Potential Side Effects of Chemotherapy

  • There are many types of medications; the side effects of chemotherapy depend on which type of medication is being used.
  • Some side effects may include anemia, low white blood cell count (neutropenia), infection, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, mouth sores, and numbness or tingling of the skin (paresthesia).
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
  • What are the treatment choices for my stage of prostate cancer?
  • What are the expected benefits of each therapy?
  • What are the risks and side effects of each therapy?
  • How will I know if my prostate cancer treatment is working?
  • What are my other choices?
  • Can side effects be managed?
  • Are there new prostate cancer treatments under study?
  • Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
  • How is prostate cancer treatment likely to affect my sex life?
  • Am I likely to have urinary problems?
  • Am I likely to have bowel problems?
  • Will I need to change my normal activities? If so, for how long?
  • What if the prostate cancer comes back after my initial treatment?
  • Where can I find more information on prostate cancer?
  • How will my future look after treatment?