Leuprolide is a drug that is used in the treatment of breast or prostate cancer. It works by reducing the level of hormones estrogen or testosterone respectively.
What is this medication used for
Leuprolide is a drug that is used in the treatment of breast or prostate cancer. It works by reducing the level of hormones estrogen or testosterone respectively.
Dosage and How to Use
The medication is administered as an injection either into the muscle (intramuscularly) or under the skin (subcutaneously). Injection is usually given once every 3 months.
What should I do if I missed the appointment for the next dose?
If you missed the appointment, please call the clinic as soon as possible for a follow up.
Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindication
What are the common side effects of Leuprolide?
- Worsening of symptoms manifested by cancer-related pain, bone pain and muscle weakness may occur during the first few weeks of treatment.
- Nausea and vomiting may sometimes occur
- Breast tenderness or fullness may occur in women
- Pain and redness at injection site
- Mild to moderate bone pain may occur
Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Allergic reaction e.g. rashes, swelling, breathing difficulty
- Severe bone, muscle or joint pain
- Unresolved nausea, vomiting and dizziness
- Chest pain or breathing difficulty
Other points to note:
- Women of childbearing age need to use reliable contraception during treatment
Additional Information
Other name: Lucrin®, Eligard®
If you have any questions, please call your pharmacist at the National Cancer Centre. The side effects listed above are those that occur frequently. Other side effects may occur. Please contact your doctor to report.
Disclaimer: The National Cancer Centre Singapore does not endorse or promote the use of any product mentioned in this booklet. The information is presented in a summary to provide an understanding and for knowledge only, and may not contain information about all aspects of care. It does not recommend self-management of health problems or replace consultation with your doctor. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read in this booklet.
©2011
Copyright © National Cancer Centre Singapore
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.
Document No. PHM-MED-PEM-107/0916
Version 1
Last reviewed: July 2017
Produced by Department of Pharmacy
National Cancer Centre Singapore