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Proper Use
Leuprolide comes with patient directions. Read these instructions carefully .
Use the syringes provided in the kit. Other syringes may not provide the correct dose. These disposable syringes and needles are already sterilized and are designed to be used one time only and then discarded. If you have any questions about the use of disposable syringes, check with your health care professional.
Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Using too much may increase the chance of side effects, while using too little may not improve your condition.
For adult patients receiving leuprolide for anemia caused by tumors of the uterus or for endometriosis :
- Leuprolide sometimes causes unwanted effects such as hot flashes or decreased interest in sex. It may also cause a temporary increase in pain when you first begin to use it. However, it is very important that you continue to use the medicine, even after you begin to feel better. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
For adult patients receiving leuprolide for cancer of the prostate:
- Leuprolide sometimes causes unwanted effects such as hot flashes or decreased sexual ability. It may also cause a temporary increase in pain or difficulty in urinating, as well as temporary numbness or tingling of hands or feet or weakness when you first begin to use it. However, it is very important that you continue to use the medicine, even after you begin to feel better. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For short-acting (daily) injection dosage forms:
- For cancer of the prostate:
- Adults—1 milligram (mg) injected under the skin once a day.
- For central precocious puberty:
- Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is injected under the skin once a day. The dose should be changed over time as weight changes.
- For cancer of the prostate:
- For long-acting (1-month) injection dosage forms:
- For anemia caused by tumors of the uterus:
- Adults—3.75 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle once a month for up to three months.
- For cancer of the prostate:
- Adults—7.5 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle or under the skin (depending on the specific product used) once a month.
- For central precocious puberty:
- Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. It is injected into a muscle once a month. The dose should be changed over time as weight changes.
- For endometriosis:
- Adults—3.75 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle once a month for up to six months.
- For anemia caused by tumors of the uterus:
- For long-acting (3-month) injection dosage forms:
- For anemia caused by tumors of the uterus:
- Adults—11.25 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle as a single injection to last for three months.
- For cancer of the prostate:
- Adults—22.5 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle or under the skin (depending on the specific product used) once every three months.
- For endometriosis:
- Adults—11.25 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle once every three months for up to six months.
- For anemia caused by tumors of the uterus:
- For long-acting (4-month) injection dosage form:
- For cancer of the prostate:
- Adults—30 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle or under the skin (depending on the specific product used) once every four months.
- For cancer of the prostate:
- For long-acting (12-month) implant dosage form:
- For cancer of the prostate:
- Adults—one implant every 12 months.
- For cancer of the prostate:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Dispose of used syringes properly in the container provided.
