General Information

Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate) is used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in men. It is a type of condition that has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body. They are found throughout your body and some of the lymph nodes are in the pelvic area, near the prostate. It may cause symptoms like fatigue, bone pain, or problems urinating.

Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. This medication helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. This will also help relieve symptoms such as painful or difficult urination.

 

How does Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate) work?

Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate) binds to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor. It acts as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion. It lessens the amount of testosterone that the body makes.

The use of this medication results in an initial increase in circulating levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). It leads to a transient increase in levels of the gonadal steroids. However, a continuous administration of this medication results in a decreased level of FSH and LH. In males, testosterone is reduced to below castrate threshold. These decreases occur within two to four weeks after initiation of treatment.

 

Why use Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate)?

Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate) a type of hormonal therapy known as ‘luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone’ (LHRH) agonist. This is a sterile polymeric matrix formulation of leuprolide acetate which is a GnRH agonist. This is also the only drug of its kind administered directly under the skin.

This is available as a single-dose with the strengths of:

• Eligard 5 mg: 1 month of therapy
• Eligard 5 mg: 3 months of therapy
• Eligard 30 mg: 4 months of therapy
• Eligard 45 mg: 6 months of therapy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medication.

How to use Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate)?

This medication is given by injection under the skin. It is usually used once a month. It slowly releases the medication into your blood over a 1-month period.

Remove Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate) from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Rinse your hands first and properly mix the medication. Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before injecting each dose. Change the injection site each time to lessen the injury under the skin.

Inject each dose within 30 minutes of mixing. If more than 30 minutes have passed since mixing, throw out the product and prepare another syringe or dose.

If you did not understand clearly how to use this medication, consult your doctor for some instructions.

 

What are the side-effects of Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate)?

• Increased sweating
• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Tiredness
• Clammy skin
• Increased urination at night
• Dizziness
• Acne
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Insomnia
• Joint or muscle pain

 

Warnings and Precautions

• Let your doctor know if you have any medical history.
• Do not drive or use any machinery that requires your alertness. This drug may make you feel dizzy.
• This may not be prescribed to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Talk to your doctor first.
• You should not inject this at the infected injection site.