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.

Radiation Therapy

  • Also known as "irradiation" or "radiotherapy," radiation therapy involves using high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
  • In the early stages of prostate cancer, radiation therapy may be used instead of surgery, or it may be used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.
  • In the case of advanced prostate cancer, radiation therapy may be given to relieve pain or other problems.
  • "External beam radiation" therapy may be directed at the body in short daily sessions given over many weeks.
  • For localized prostate cancer, tiny radioactive "seeds," called "implant radiation" or "brachytherapy," may be placed inside the tumor.

Potential Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Treating Prostate Cancer

  • The high-energy x-rays aimed at the cancer can also affect healthy cells.
  • May cause some side effects, including diarrhea, sometimes with blood in the stool, and cramping.
  • Other side effects may include inflammation of the bladder, blood in the urine, and frequent or urgent urination.
  • In some cases, bowel function does not return to normal after treatment.
  • Can also cause fatigue (extreme tiredness), which usually does not last more than a month or two after treatment.
  • Many side effects can be managed with medicines or special diets, so be sure to discuss these with your doctor or nurse.
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?
Quick Poll
Have you ever been treated with a hormonal therapy?
LHRH agonist
antiandrogen therapy
estrogen therapy
orchiectomy (surgery)
no
LHRH agonist
 
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antiandrogen therapy
 
  0%
estrogen therapy
 
  0%
orchiectomy (surgery)
 
  0%
no
 
  0%
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