Uses of Leuprolide

Leuprolide is used for palliative treatment (relieving symptoms and minimize the associated suffering) of advanced prostatic tumour.

Therapeutic Category

Leuprolide: Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist

How Leuprolide works

Leuprolide works by blocking the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) following an initial stimulation, resulting in suppression of ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis (process of synthesis of steroid hormones), thereby relieving the symptoms associated with increased testosterone levels in advanced prostatic tumour.

Common side effects of Leuprolide

• Hot flashes, sweating
• General pain in the body (especially joint pain and back pain)
• Pain at the site of injection
• Testicular atropy

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Coronary artery disease (heart disease) is characterized by angina (chest pain)
• Cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack (life-threatening events related to impaired heart function)
• Pneumonia (a life-threatening lung disease)
• Second primary neoplasm (cancer) including basal cell carcinoma, lung neoplasm, bladder transitional cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Health Tips for Leuprolide

• Always take leuprolide exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet, proper hydration, and engaging in regular physical activity
• Attend regular health checkups while taking this medicine
• Drinking alcohol while taking Leuprolide can increase the risk of adverse effects
• Drink plenty of water while taking Leuprolide to help reduce the risk of side effects
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements and herbal products you are taking, as Leuprolide can interact with certain drugs
• Leuprolide is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women