Symptoms that are associated with advanced prostate cancer can be treated by using Leuprorelin or Leuprolide Acetate. This medication comes under the class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or GnRH. It can decrease the amount of certain hormones in the human body. Leuprolide injection is considered a very reliable medication for treating CPP or central precocious puberty in girls usually younger than 8 years of age and in boys usually younger than 9 years of age. Mention may also be made that it is also used to prevent endometriosis. One should always use this medicine according to the doctor's prescription to avoid any trouble.
How is Leuprolide Acetate or Leuprorelin given?
There are two alternative ways by which this medication is given-
- intramuscularly (into a muscle)
- subcutaneously (just under the skin)
Dosage and Usage
Leuprolide Acetate injection can be used intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a doctor or nurse in a clinic once a month or every 3, 4, or 6 months. Also, it can be injected subcutaneously by a doctor or nurse in a clinic every 1, 3, 4, or 6 months.
In the case of children, this medication must be stopped before 11 years of age in girls and 12 years of age in boys. If it is given as a subcutaneous injection, a small bump can be noticed at the place where the injection. It should go away eventually. After the first few weeks of the medication, this medicine can cause an increase in certain hormones. That is why you should be under the strict supervision of your doctor during the whole process.
The usual dosage is Leuprolide 11.25 mg.
However, the doctor can modify it according to the patient's height, weight, and general health condition. Always check the manufacturer's information before using this medication. In case of serious side effects, inform your doctor for immediate medical attention.
Mechanism of Action: Leuprolide Acetate acts by shutting off the hormones developed by the ovaries, so the estrogen (kind of hormones that are responsible for causing your body in order to have periods) level is decreased. Following your initial shot, the estrogen level will increase prior to decreasing. This is known as estrogen surge. Due to this increment in the estrogen, you may experience an increase in the symptoms for some weeks. Following the estrogen surge, the estrogen levels will be decreased. This may be responsible for temporarily stopping your period. In absence of your periods, endometriosis symptoms are generally relieved.
Precautionary measures to take while taking Leuprolide Acetate or Leuprorelin
The following precautionary measures should be taken by the patients while using these capsules:
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medications, herbal products, vitamins, nutritional supplements. Your doctor may modify the dosage of your medications for side effects.
- You are also supposed to avoid breastfeeding while being on Leuprolide 11.25 mg. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as the medication can seriously harm the fetus.
- Mention to your doctor if you have a history of drinking or smoking for a long time.
- Inform your doctor about any other medication that you are on at present to avoid any harmful reaction after starting therapy.
- It is important to mention here that the medication is not prescribed for patients with unusual vaginal bleeding.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to leuprolide, any other medication, or any of the ingredients in leuprolide injection. Check the ingredients list of Leuprorelin Acetate for safety.
- A series of tests and other medical examinations are conducted to determine whether you have diabetes or any heart disease.
Leuprolide Acetate or Leuprorelin side effects
This medication can cause multiple side effects. Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms or Leuprolide Acetate side effects does not go away:
- pain, burning or bruising at the place where the injection was given
- unable to control emotions and frequent mood swings
- tiredness
- hot flashes, sweating, or clamminess
- breast tenderness in both men and women
- vaginal discharge, dryness, or itching in women
- spotting or periods
- a decrease in the size of testicles
- pain in the arms, back, chest, neck, or jaw
- flu-like symptoms
- muscle pain or joint pain
- memory-related problems
What to do while undergoing this drug therapy?
Always maintain a nutritious diet while you are under this medication. Blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin of the patient should be checked regularly. Make sure to drink enough fluid every day. Avoid smoking and drinking while you are undergoing this drug therapy. Do not store this medicine near a warm place. Keep it in a safe place where children cannot reach. Inform your doctor if any unusual problems occur.
Conclusion
Do not forget to keep all the medical insurance papers ready because Leuprolide Acetate cost is as high as $633. You can buy online or contact a medical store to check the availability of these medicines.
Disclaimer: The afore-mentioned content is only for information purpose. We don’t intend to claim the effectiveness of the medication.
