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Leuprolide

Information about Leuprolide

Leuprolide Uses

Leuprolide is used for prostate cancer, endometriosis, Uterine fibroids, precocious puberty and female infertility. It is also used to reduce the thickness of the endometrium of the uterus in preparation for surgery.

How Leuprolide works

Leuprolide reduces the amount of sex hormones (testosterone in men and estrogen in women). It works by decreasing the blood levels of testosterone in males. Leuprolide also acts by shutting off hormones made by the ovaries (female reproductive organs), so the estrogen (one of the hormones that causes females to have periods) level is lowered.

Common side effects of Leuprolide

Decreased libido, Testicular atrophy, Increased sweating, Fatigue, Muscle weakness, Erectile dysfunction, Bone pain, Hot flashes, Injection site reaction

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated

29 Oct 2024 | 10:27 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Leuprolide

LuprodexBharat Serums & Vaccines Ltd

₹3144 to ₹174825 variant(s)

LuprideSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹246 to ₹311716 variant(s)

LuprorinIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹161 to ₹32373 variant(s)

Luprodex 3MBharat Serums & Vaccines Ltd

₹97581 variant(s)

EligardEmcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹8109 to ₹374585 variant(s)

EurolideSamarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd

₹374 to ₹87034 variant(s)

LeupoIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹8703 to ₹159952 variant(s)

LuprotasIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹8703 to ₹179352 variant(s)

LeuprostaAlkem Laboratories Ltd

₹8703 to ₹159953 variant(s)

GlerelinGlenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹139801 variant(s)

Expert advice for Leuprolide

Leuprolide helps in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
It may also be used to treat endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
It is given as an injection either under the skin or into a muscle.
It may cause dizziness and visual disturbances. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
It will cause menstrual periods to stop. Periods will resume 7-12 weeks after the final injection. Consult your doctor if you experience menstrual bleed despite treatment.
Use non-hormonal methods of contraception such as condoms to prevent pregnancy during treatment, as this medicine may be harmful to a developing baby.
Long term treatment may lead to bone loss and a higher risk of bone fractures, especially if you are a heavy drinker, a smoker, or have a family history of osteoporosis.

Frequently asked questions for Leuprolide

Leuprolide

Q. Is Leuprolide a chemotherapy medicine?

No, Leuprolide is not a chemotherapy medicine. Leuprolide is a synthetic hormone analogue medicine which is used for the treatment of hormone-dependent conditions in men and women.

Q. Does Leuprolide stop periods?

Yes, the periods tend to stop while taking Leuprolide injections as this medicine alters the reproductive hormones in females. Sometimes, there can be vaginal bleeding in few cases. If this occurs, please contact your doctor to get yourself assessed and follow the direction of your doctor.

Q. Is Leuprolide a hormonal medicine and can it be given in pregnancy?

Yes, Leuprolide is a hormonal medicine which alters the reproductive hormones when given in females. This medication is not recommended for use in women who are or may become pregnant because this can harm the fetus in the womb. Using this medicine during pregnancy may also lead to abortion of the baby. Do inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant before starting this medication.

Q. Can taking Leuprolide affect my bones?

Yes, there are chances of Leuprolide affecting your bones. Using Leuprolide may cause a decrease in bone mineral density and make the bones weaker. In women, bone density should be assessed before starting the treatment. Special care and monitoring should be done in women with increased risk of osteoporosis. If at all needed, additional medicines may be given to prevent the development of osteoporosis in patients with decreased bone mineral density.

Q. Can Leuprolide cause diabetes or increased blood sugar?

Yes, Leuprolide may cause an increase in blood sugar levels, worsening the blood glucose control in patients with diabetes. It can even increase the risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, you must monitor the blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from time to time to keep a track of the glucose control and inform your doctor in case you develop any problem. Diabetic patients when prescribed this medication should monitor the sugar levels more frequently while taking this treatment.