Leuprorelin

Description

Leuprorelin is an anticancer medicine containing Leuprolide. This medicine is used in the treatment of prostate cancer (cancer that occurs in the prostate gland that produces sperm carrying fluid) in men. In women, this medicine treats uterine fibroids (abnormal growth in the uterus) and endometriosis (a condition characterized by abnormal growth of uterine tissue, severe pain, and irregular periods). It is also used to treat the early onset of puberty (the process of physical changes through which a child's body matures into an adult body) in children. Leuprorelin may cause some side effects like increased sweating, tiredness, muscular weakness, and hot flashes. Inform your if these side effects are bothering you or persisting for a longer period. Avoid using Leuprorelin if you are allergic to it. Leuprorelin is given by a qualified medical practitioner in the hospital setting. The dose of medicine and the duration of treatment will be decided by your doctor based on your health condition. It may take a few weeks to months to notice desired effects of this medicine. Leuprorelin is not recommended for use in children below 2 years of age as no sufficient information is available regarding its safety. Long-term use of Leuprorelin may result in bone weakness and a decrease in bone mineral density. Your doctor may advise you to take vitamin D and calcium supplements along with this medicine. Leuprorelin may stop your menstrual cycle for 7- 12 weeks. Consult your doctor if you have noticed any unusual side effects. Leuprorelin is not recommended for use if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding. Inform your doctor of your complete medical history including other health conditions you have, before receiving this medicine.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Leuprorelin

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight gain
  • Blurred vision
  • Sweating
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Stopping of menstrual periods
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Vaginal discharge and bleeding
  • Swelling of feet and lower legs
  • Pelvic pain
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Skin rash
  • Dryness, burning, or itching of the vagina
  • Increased hair growth

Uses of Leuprorelin

What is it prescribed for?

  • Prostate cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Central precocious puberty (CPP)
Read More
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The onset of action for Leuprorelin is 4-5 hours after administration.
  • Duration of effect
    The amount of time for which Leuprorelin remains active in the body is 18 hours.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Leuprorelin.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Leuprorelin is not recommended to be used in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Leuprorelin is not recommended to be used in breastfeeding as it is not known whether this medicine passes into the breastmilk or not. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.

Allergy

Avoid receiving Leuprorelin if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of serious allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.

Pregnancy

Leuprorelin is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, because this medicine can harm your foetus.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Leuprorelin is not recommended to be used in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medicine.

Breast-feeding

Leuprorelin is not recommended to be used in breastfeeding as it is not known whether this medicine passes into the breastmilk or not. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
General warnings

Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

Avoid taking Leuprorelin if you have a condition of undiagnosed vaginal bleeding as this medicine may worsen your condition.

Depression

Depression is a mental condition in which your mood is unstable. Inform your doctor if you have such a condition before receiving Leuprorelin as it may worsen your condition.

Bone mineral density

Leuprorelin can lower bone density, especially if taken over an extended period. While using this medication, notify your doctor if you experience any odd symptoms such as joint discomfort or tenderness.

QT interval prolongation

QT interval prolongation is an irregularity in your heart's electrical activity. Leuprorelin lowers sex hormone levels, which might cause the ECG's QT interval to lengthen. While taking this prescription, your doctor may recommend tests to monitor your heart's function.

Driving or operating machines

Leuprorelin may cause dizziness, fatigue, or visual disturbances in some people. Avoid doing activities that require concentration, such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience any of these symptoms after taking this medicine.

Birth control measures

Leuprorelin may reduce the effectiveness of birth control medicines. Use other birth control methods by consulting your doctor to prevent unwanted pregnancy while on treatment with this medicine.

Missed Dose

Leuprorelin is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional. Hence, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.

Overdose

Leuprorelinis administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional. Hence, the likelihood of an overdose is very low.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine

Thalidomide

Efavirenz

Citalopram

Amiodarone

Quinidine

Metformin

Disease interactions

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which there is an increase in your blood sugar levels. Leuprorelin should be used with caution if you have diabetes as it may further increase your blood sugar levels.

Heart disease

Leuprorelin should be used with caution if you have heart problems as it may cause a heart attack (a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle) and stroke (brain damage due to interrupted blood flow). Inform your doctor if you have heart conditions before receiving this medicine.

Seizures

A seizure is an electrical disturbance in the brain that occurs spontaneously. Leuprorelin may worsen seizures (fits) and other mental health conditions. Inform your doctor if you have such conditions before receiving this medicine.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Leuprorelin is used in the treatment of prostate cancer and endometriosis. The pediatric dose of this medicine is used in treating central precocious puberty. Do not self administer this medicine. It should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the hospital setting. Inform your doctor if you have a known allergy to this medication. Inform your doctor about all your current medications and your medical conditions before taking Leuprorelin. Leuprorelin may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Hence avoid driving vehicles or operating machines after taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
Leuprorelin works by lowering the levels of sex hormones in the body (testosterone in men and estrogen in women). It also stops the production of hormones by the ovaries (female reproductive organs), this leads to a decrease in the level of estrogen (one of the hormones that cause females to have periods).
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Gonadotropin releasing hormones, Hormones/antineoplastics

Schedule

Schedule H

Drugs, H., 2021. Leuprolide Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 8 July 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a685040.html>

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Leuprorelin. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 July 2021].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/657181>

Rxlist.com. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 July 2021].

https://www.rxlist.com/lupron-depot-375-drug.htm>

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Prostap SR DCS 3.75 mg Powder and Solvent for Prolonged-release Suspension for Injection in Pre-filled Syringe - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 July 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4650/smpc>

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - LEUPROLIDE ACETATE injection, solution. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 July 2021].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89658d24-2417-4053-a1a4-c38d32db7221>

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Information on this page was last updated on 22 Oct 2021

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We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.