Leuprolide Acetate
(Generic Name) Other Names: Eligard®, Lupron®, leuprorelin acetate
About this drug
Leuprolide acetate is a drug that affects the production of certain hormones in your body. It is used to treat cancer and other medical conditions. This drug is given by subcutaneous injection (SQ) or intramuscular injection (IM).
Possible side effects
- feeling flushed (“hot flashes”). This is usually temporary.
- bone pain
- difficult or painful urination (rare)
- weakness. This is usually temporary.
- numbness, tingling, or decreased sensation in legs, feet, or toes. This is usually temporary.
- swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- dizziness
- headache
- breast enlargement in men (rare)
- breast tenderness
- impotence in men (rare)
- loss of menstrual period in women
- nausea
- unusual sweating
Treating side effects
Ask your doctor or nurse about medication that is available to help prevent or lessen bone pain and nausea.
Food and drug interactions
There are no known interactions of leuprolide acetate and any food. Limit your salt intake to lessen swelling. This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications that you are currently taking.
When to call the doctor
Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- bone pain unrelieved by prescribed medication
- nausea unrelieved by prescribed medication
- numbness, tingling, or decreased sensation in fingers and toes
- difficulty in walking or changes in the way you walk
- clumsiness in buttoning clothes, opening jars, or other routine hand activities
- painful or difficult urination
- sexual problems
- uncomfortable hot flashes or recurrent sweats