Warnings & Recalls for Lupron
Lupron and Pregnancy
Lupron is an
FDA pregnancy category X drug as Lupron
can harm the fetus and cause
defects.
Do not take Lupron if you are
pregnant or
planning on becoming pregnant. In studies of pregnant animals and the use of Lupron, this medication caused the following:
- increased fetal mortality
- decreased fetal weight
- serious fetal abnormalities
Lupron is
not known to be
passed through breast-milk. However, the manufacturer suggests that
breastfeeding be
discontinued to
decrease the risk of harm to a nursing child.
General Warnings
In
June of 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved
safety information changes regarding Lupron. The change included the possibility of
convulsions (
seizures) while taking
Lupron Depot 3.75mg and 11.25mg injections.Before receiving Lupron, let your doctor know if you have:
- osteoporosis or a family history of osteoporosis
- an increased risk for bone loss due to smoking, drinking alcohol or using steroid or seizure medications over an extended period of time
- diabetes
- heart disease or disorders
- high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- a recent gain in weight
- epilepsy
- asthma or any other breathing conditions
- migraines
- kidney disease
- depression
- cancer, particularly bone cancer
- trouble urinating or blood in your urine
If used for long periods of time, Lupron can lead to a reduction in bone density and cause osteoporosis. Ask your doctor about the risk for developing osteoporosis while receiving Lupron.
Lupron Treatment and Use
Lupron | Leuprolide | Eligard is a luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) marketed by Bayer AG for treating symptoms of advanced cases of prostate cancer. Lupron can also be used for the following:
- treat early puberty
- delay sexual development and the beginning of menstruation
- increase potential of reaching average adult height by slowing early bone growth
- decrease amount of estrogen in girls and testosterone in boys
- treating uterus disorders, such as endometriosis
Lupron is not a cure for cancer.
How Does Lupron Work?
Lupron works by slowing the production of sex hormones in the body. Since prostate cancer uses testosterone (male sex hormone) to develop, these cancer cells are not able to grow and symptoms of the cancer (such as painful urination or difficulty urinating) are reduced.
Lupron Dosage Information
Lupron is given as an injection beneath the skin or into a muscle. You may be given Lupron in a clinic or hospital setting, or you may be asked to self-inject at home. You should not self-inject unless you completely understand the proper procedure and disposal of the needle or syringe. Be sure to follow all directions given to you by your doctor as well as patient instructions in the Lupron package.
Normally, treatment using Lupron is given once each month or once every three to six months. Take Lupron as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
While beginning treatment, your symptoms may worsen as your hormones adjust to the action of the medicine. Continue use of Lupron to see results in reduced symptoms.
Your doctor may ask that you have your blood and liver checked frequently to regulate the amount of Lupron you are taking as well as the length of the treatment.
