What is Eligard?
Eligard stimulates the body's production of certain hormones, which causes this production to cease temporarily. Leuprolide reduces the amount of testosterone in men and oestrogen in women.Eligard Injectable Suspension is prescribed to men to treat symptoms of prostate cancer.Eligard is a treatment for signs of prostate cancer but is not able to treat the cancer itself.
Warnings
The symptoms you experience may temporarily become more severe when you first begin taking Eligard. Inform your doctor if this happens for more than 2 months.
Get your doctor's attention immediately when you experience seizures or notice any unusual changes in your mood or behaviour.Eligard is intended for use by males. Leuprolide is also available in other brands that may be used by women. Don't use Eligard when you are pregnant.
Before you Take this Drug
Eligard is not recommended for use in the event that you are allergic to leuprolide or similar medicines like buserelin, goserelin, histrelin, nafarelin, or histrelin, or if you suffer from abnormal vaginal bleeding which hasn't been assessed by a medical professional.
Leuprolide may result in a birth defect. Do not take it when you are pregnant. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Certain strengths or brands of leuprolide can be used for treating only men and shouldn't be used on children or women. Always confirm your prescription to ensure you've received the correct strength and brand.
To ensure that Eligard is safe for you, ask your doctor if you have previously had:
- Depression, mental illness, psychosis
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- A blood vessel disorder;
- A head tumour or injury to the spinal cord;
- Heart disease, congestive cardiac failure, long QT syndrome;
- The imbalance of electrolytes (such as low concentrations of magnesium or potassium within your blood)
- Risk factors that can lead to risk factors (personal or family background in osteoporosis, smoking or drinking alcohol, using seizure or steroid medications for a long time).
Do not offer Eligard or any other child without professional guidance.
Leuprolide can cause women to stop ovulating or experiencing menstrual periods. However, you may be able to become pregnant. Use a condom or diaphragm containing spermicide to avoid the possibility of pregnancy. Leuprolide can make hormonal birth control less efficient (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings).Consult your physician if your menstrual cycle continues during treatment with this medication.Breastfeeding is not advised when using Eligard.
How to Take Eligard?
You should take Eligard exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on the prescription label and study all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Different brands and strengths of leuprolide can be used to treat various conditions. It is vital to receive the exact strength and brand that your doctor has recommended. Always review your prescription to ensure that you've received the correct type and brand recommended by your physician.
Eligard is injected into the skin and muscle each month and every 3 to 6 months. A doctor can instruct you on the proper use of Eligard on your own.Follow and read carefully any instructions that come with your medication. Don't use Eligard in the event that you are unable to comprehend the entire procedure for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any concerns.
Your symptoms could get more severe while your hormones adapt to leuprolide.Use the medication as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you feel your situation isn't getting better after 2 months of Eligard.You might require regular medical tests when you are using leuprolide.
Keep Eligard in the fridge. Avoid freezing. It is possible to take the medicine out and let it sit at room temperature prior to mixing it and injecting the dose. Mixed medicine should be administered within 30 minutes.You can also store Eligard inside its packaging in the original container at room temperature for up to 8 weeks.
Make use of a needle and syringe just once, and then put them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure that it is kept out of the reach of pets and children.
Details on Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:
1 mg subcutaneous injection every day
7.5 mg depot in the IM or subcutaneously to depot once per month
22.5 mg depot Inject once every 3 months.
30 mg depot once every 4 months
45 mg subcutaneous injection every 6 months
Utilisation: Palliative treatment for prostate cancer that is advanced
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Contact your doctor for advice if you have missed a dose.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Follow your doctor's advice regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activities.
Side effects of Eligard
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms warning of an allergic response to Eligard (hives, sweating, rapid heartbeats, trouble breathing, dizziness, or swelling of your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever and throat soreness, burning eyes, pain in your skin, and red or purple skin itching that can cause peeling and blisters),
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Issues in the pituitary gland A sudden, intense headache, vomiting, or eye problems or vision, and changes in your mood or behaviour;
- Pain in the bones and the loss of movement anywhere on your body;
- Swelling and rapid weight gain
- A seizure;
- Unexpected change in behaviour or mood (crying spells or anger, or feeling angry);
- Suddenly experiencing chest discomfort or pain such as wheezing, a dry cough, or a hack;
- Difficulty or painful urination, and
- Blood sugar levels are high, increasing thirst, more frequent urination, dry mouth, and a fruity breath smell.
A few severe side effects could be experienced. Call your doctor if you suffer from:
- Symptoms or pain in your lower back. numbness, tenderness, or tingling sensations in your feet or legs;
- Muscles weakening or losing the ability to use them loss of bowel function or bladder control
- Warning signs of heart attack symptoms include chest pain or pressure, pain that spreads into your shoulder or jaw, nausea, sweating,
- Symptoms of stroke A sudden feeling of weakness or numbness (especially on the opposite side) or a sudden and severe headache and slurred speech.
Common Eligard adverse effects could include:
- Pituitary gland disorders;
- Symptoms of a cold like congestion, sneezing, and a stuffy nose. cough or sore throat with or without mucus.
- Fatigue, fever, or unwellness;
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation;
- Coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing;
- Hot flashes, sweating, hot flashes;
- Dizziness, mood changes;
- Headache, general pain;
- The vaginal area is swollen, itchy, or discharged
- Changes in weight;
- Smaller testicle size
- Lower interest in sexual activity decreased interest in sex
- Swelling, redness, pain, or oozing around the site of the shot.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Eligard may cause a serious heart issue. The risk is higher if you take various other medications to treat asthma, heart conditions, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, malaria, cancer, or HIV.
Other medications can be incompatible with leuprolide, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.
