Medication Search: Eligard

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Anemia: Reduced testosterone levels contribute to low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, pale skin, or feeling unusually tired, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.

Depression: Changed levels of hormones in the body have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, or decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Diabetes: Leuprolide may cause a loss of blood glucose control, and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart problems: This medication may increase the risk of heart problems such as changes in heart rhythm. You may be more at risk of experiencing heart problems if you have congenital long QT syndrome, electrolyte (e.g., potassium) abnormalities, or congestive heart failure, or you are taking medications that affect heart rhythm (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol, flecainide). Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: If you have urinary tract obstruction (a blockage in the urinary tract), reduced kidney or liver function, spinal cord compression, or cancer that has spread to the bones of the spine, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Men and the heart: There may be an increased risk of heart-related events (e.g., heart attacks, stroke, heart-related death) in men being treated for prostate cancer with GnRH medications. Before you start treatment, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, heart disease, had a previous heart attack or stroke, or have cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure, smoking, or cholesterol). If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Osteoporosis: Leuprolide can cause the bones to lose thickness. Your doctor will monitor you for this while you are using this medication. If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for it (e.g., have been smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for a long time, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are taking medications such as prednisone or anti-seizure medications), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.

When used to treat CPP in children, bone mass starts to build again after stopping leuprolide. Peak bone mass does not appear to be affected by the use of leuprolide in childhood.

Seizures: There have been reports of seizures occurring with the use of leuprolide. Seizures appear to be more likely if you have had seizures before, are taking other medications that increase the risk of seizures, or have a condition that makes seizures more likely. If you have a history of epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Starting treatment: During the first week of treatment with leuprolide, you may notice that your signs and symptoms temporarily get worse. This is due to a sudden increase in hormones that will normalize once the right dose for you has been found.

Pregnancy: Leuprolide should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and are using leuprolide, tell your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if leuprolide passes into breast milk. Leuprolide is not recommended while breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 2 years of age. The 45 mg syringe system has been identified as being safe and effective for children older than 2 years of age to treat central precocious puberty.