Leuprolide (Intradermal Route, Intramuscular Route, Subcutaneous Route)

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Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

For female patients: You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

For patients receiving leuprolide for central precocious puberty (CPP):

• If you are a female patient, you may have occasional bleeding or spotting. If you continue to have heavy bleeding or regular periods after 2 months of using this medicine, call your doctor.
• If you develop a rash or irritation at the injection site, check with your doctor right away.

For patients receiving leuprolide for endometriosis or for anemia caused by tumors of the uterus:

• For the first few days of treatment, the symptoms of your condition may get worse. This is normal. Do not stop taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.
• During the time you are receiving leuprolide, your menstrual period may not be regular or you may not have a menstrual period at all. This is to be expected when being treated with this medicine. If regular menstruation does not begin within 60 to 90 days after you stop receiving this medicine, check with your doctor.
• During the time you are receiving leuprolide, you should use birth control methods that do not contain hormones. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
• If you suspect you may have become pregnant, stop using this medicine and check with your doctor. There is a chance that continued use of leuprolide during pregnancy could cause birth defects or a miscarriage.

When you first start using this medicine for prostate cancer treatment, some of your symptoms might get worse for a short time. You might also have new symptoms. You might have bone pain, back pain, a tingling or numbness in the body, blood in the urine, or trouble urinating. These symptoms should improve within a few weeks. Tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.

Patients receiving leuprolide for advanced prostate cancer:

• This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests or if you have any questions, check with your doctor.
• This medicine may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort; pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck; confusion; shortness of breath; nausea or vomiting, or sweating.
• This medicine can cause changes in heart rhythms, such as a condition called QT prolongation. It may change the way your heart beats and cause fainting or serious side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of heart rhythm problems, such as fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeats.

This medicine can cause decreases in bone mineral density, which may lead to osteoporosis or weakened bones. Talk with your doctor about how this risk will affect you.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Do not stop using or changing the dose of Lupron® injection without checking first with your doctor.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are using this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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