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Leuprolide Coupon - Leuprolide 2.8ml vial of 1mg/0.2ml kit

leuprolide

Generic Lupron
Used for Prostate Cancer
Used for Prostate Cancer

Generic leuprolide is a GnRH agonist that's FDA-approved for treating advanced prostate cancer. It's available as an injection under the skin that's given daily. Fertility specialists also often prescribe under-the-skin injections of generic leuprolide "off-label" to help people become pregnant. Some potential side effects of leuprolide include hot flashes and injection site pain.

Last reviewed on June 20, 2024
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What is Leuprolide?

What is Leuprolide used for?

How Leuprolide works

Leuprolide is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It's a lab-made hormone that's similar to the GnRH your body naturally makes.

For prostate cancer, leuprolide lowers testosterone levels over time. This helps slow down the growth of the prostate gland and cancer cells.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNo brand name available
Drug ClassGnRH agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Leuprolide?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Hot flashes or sweats (55%)
  • Changes on electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG; 19%)
  • General pain (13%)
  • Swelling in the arms or legs (12%)
  • Weakness (10%)

Other Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • High blood pressure
  • Problems getting or maintaining an erection
  • Breast pain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart problems: racing heart, fluttering in your chest, abnormal heartbeats, heart attack
  • Stroke: weakness on one side of the body, drooping face, bad headache, trouble walking or speaking
  • Convulsion (seizure): tight muscles, uncontrollable movements, painful cramping

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

For adults

Less common

Fast or irregular heartbeat

Rare

Bone, muscle, or joint pain

fainting

fast or irregular breathing

numbness or tingling of the hands or feet

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes

skin rash, hives, or itching

sudden, severe decrease in blood pressure and collapse

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing

For males only (adults)

More common

Arm, back, or jaw pain

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with moving

dizziness

frequent urge to urinate

headache

increased urge to urinate during the night

muscle pain or stiffness

nausea

nervousness

pain in the joints

pale skin

pounding in the ears

slow or fast heartbeat

sweating

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

waking to urinate at night

Rare

Pain in the groin or legs (especially in the calves)

Incidence not known

Altered mental status

cold, clammy, pale skin

confusion

double vision

irregular heartbeat

visual changes

vomiting

For females only (adults)

Rare

Anxiety

deepening of voice

increased hair growth

mental depression

mood changes

For children

More common

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

cough producing mucus

difficulty in breathing

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

muscle aches

noisy breathing

pain or redness at the injection site

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Irritability

mood or mental changes

Rare

Burning, itching, or swelling at the injection site

Incidence not known

Seizures

For females only (children)—expected in first few weeks

Rare

Vaginal bleeding (continuing)

white vaginal discharge (continuing)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For adults

More common

Sudden sweating and feeling of warmth (hot flashes)

Less common

Bleeding, bruising, burning, itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

swelling of the feet or lower legs

swelling or increased tenderness of the breasts

trouble sleeping

weight gain

For females only (adults)

More common

Light, irregular vaginal bleeding

stopping of menstrual periods

Less common

Burning, dryness, or itching of the vagina

pelvic pain

For males only (adults)

More common

Back pain

chills

constipation

cough

diarrhea

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

loss of appetite

pain or discomfort at the injection site

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

runny nose

shivering

sore throat

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Less common

Decreased size of the testicles

inability to have or keep an erection

For children

More common

Constipation

feeling of warmth

nausea

redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

stomach pain

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Leuprolide

thumbs-up

Pros

Possible to inject the medication at home with proper training

No known interactions with other medications

thumbs-down

Cons

Injections can be uncomfortable and hard for some people to do

Can cause flushing and hot flashes

Not a cure for prostate cancer; only helps slow cancer growth

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Leuprolide

pharmacist
  • You might have a flare-up in your prostate cancer symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment with leuprolide. This happens because your testosterone levels first rise before they go down. Tell your care team if flare-up symptoms, like bone pain, blood in your urine, trouble urinating, or weakness, don't go away after a month.

    • Don't stop taking leuprolide without consulting your prescriber, even if you start to feel better. This medication only works if you continue taking it as prescribed.

      • You might have some mild irritation, such as burning, itching, or swelling, where you injected leuprolide. These reactions should go away on their own. Let your care team know if the injections are too uncomfortable or if the irritation doesn't go away.

        • Your prescriber will regularly order lab work to make sure leuprolide is working and to check for side effects. Mark your appointments on your calendar and make sure to get your lab work done on time.

          • Leuprolide lowers your testosterone levels, which can affect your ability to have an erection. Talk to your prescriber if this concerns you.

            • It's possible for leuprolide to affect the ability in males to have children. Discuss this possibility with your prescriber before you start leuprolide treatment.

              How to inject leuprolide:

              • If you're injecting leuprolide at home, a healthcare professional will teach you how to give yourself the injections safely. Read the Instructions for Use and call your care team if you have any questions.

                • Draw up your dose of leuprolide into a new syringe as instructed.

                  • Pinch your skin with your fingers and inject leuprolide under the skin, at a 90-degree angle. Push down on the plunger to inject leuprolide, and then remove the needle at the same angle you inserted it.

                    • Throw away used syringes and needles in a sharps container right after injecting. This helps prevent needle-stick injuries.

                      • Make sure to rotate injection sites each time you inject leuprolide. This lets your skin heal after each injection and prevents skin damage.

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Leuprolide

                        Does leuprolide need to be refrigerated?
                        No. You can keep leuprolide at room temperature, but make sure it's below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't ever freeze the medication because this could damage it. Keep the vial of leuprolide in its box when you don't need to use it to protect the medication from light.
                        Does leuprolide cause weight gain?
                        Weight gain wasn't commonly reported as a side effect during clinical studies of leuprolide for treating prostate cancer. But after the medication came on the market, some people did report weight gain. Let your healthcare team know if you notice weight gain after you start treatment with leuprolide. To help manage your weight, be sure to get plenty of exercise regularly and choose a variety of fruits and vegetables to create a balanced and nutritious diet.
                        Does leuprolide make you tired?
                        It can. In clinical studies, some people reported feeling tired as a side effect of leuprolide. During your treatment, try to get enough sleep. Contact your prescriber if your energy levels are affecting your daily activities. They can help figure out whether you feel more tired because of leuprolide or because of another reason.
                        How long do leuprolide side effects last?
                        How long side effects from leuprolide will last depends on many factors, like the specific side effects you're having. For example, injection site reactions usually go away on their own within a few days. Other side effects, like hot flashes and headaches, might come and go. Talk to your healthcare team if you're concerned about any side effects. They can discuss with you about how to manage the particular side effect that you have.
                        What is leuprolide used for in IVF?
                        Leuprolide isn't FDA-approved for use in in vitro fertilization (IVF). But leuprolide has been used "off-label" for this purpose for many years and is recognized as an option by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)). The way leuprolide is used in IVF depends on the specific protocol that your fertility specialist uses. In general, leuprolide can help control the hormones that regulate ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). Some protocols use leuprolide as a final "trigger shot" to help the eggs in the ovaries mature and help the ovaries release an egg. Discuss with a fertility specialist if you're looking into IVF. They can speak with your about whether leuprolide is right for you and your fertility plan.
                        Where do you inject leuprolide for IVF?
                        Leuprolide is typically injected under the skin when it's used for in vitro fertilization (IVF). It's usually injected into the fatty tissue of your arm, belly, or thigh. Your fertility specialist will make sure you get the right dose in the right place at the right time during your treatment.
                        What should you expect after leuprolide treatment for prostate cancer?
                        You might have some injection site reactions, like pain, redness, or swelling, after each leuprolide injection. These reactions are usually mild and can be managed at home. And at the beginning of treatment for prostate cancer, your symptoms might get worse for a few weeks. This is normal and your symptoms should get better after that. You might also have hot flashes, which is a common side effect of leuprolide. Follow up with your prescriber to learn more about what to expect after you take leuprolide.
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                        What are the risks and warnings for Leuprolide?

                        Leuprolide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                        risk-warning

                        Initial worsening of symptoms

                        When you first start leuprolide, your testosterone levels go up before they start to go down. This can make your prostate cancer symptoms worse. Your testosterone levels should drop and your symptoms should get better after a few weeks. Let your healthcare team know if you experience any bone pain, bladder pain, or blood in your urine that doesn't go away in about a month.

                        risk-warning

                        Higher blood sugar levels and risk for diabetes

                        Some people who took leuprolide have reported a rise in their blood sugar. Having high blood sugar levels raises the risk for new or worsening diabetes. During treatment, your prescriber will regularly check your blood sugar levels and A1C (average blood sugar levels over the past few months). You might need additional medications to manage your blood sugar if it's too high.

                        risk-warning

                        Risk for heart problems or stroke

                        • Risk factors: History of heart rhythm problems or heart failure | Electrolyte imbalances | Taking certain heart rhythm medications, mental health medications, or antibiotics

                          Although the risk is low, some people who take medications like leuprolide might be at risk of having heart problems, such as heart attack or sudden death due to heart problems. There's also a possible low risk for stroke. In addition, medications similar to leuprolide can cause irregular heart rhythms.

                          Your prescriber will check your risk for heart problems and stroke before you start leuprolide. Let your prescriber know if you have any conditions causing irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, or electrolyte problems. Also share a list of your current medications for them to check for drug interactions that can raise your risk for abnormal heart rhythm. Your prescriber will discuss with you about the risks and benefits of taking leuprolide.

                          Get emergency help right away if you experience chest or arm pain, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, weakness on one side of the body, drooping face, bad headache, or trouble walking or speaking. These can be signs of a heart attack or stroke. Also be sure to tell your healthcare team if your heart is beating irregularly.

                          risk-warning

                          Possible spinal cord and urinary tract problems

                          • Risk factors: History of spine problems | History of urinary tract problems

                            There have been a few cases of spinal cord compression, or pressure on the spinal cord, in people who take leuprolide. This can possibly lead to paralysis (not being able to move). Also, some people have had a blockage in their urinary tract during treatment. This can lead to kidney damage or urinary problems. These problems might happen during the first few weeks of treatment. Talk to your prescriber about your medical history or your concerns about the medication before you start treatment with leuprolide.

                            dosage

                            Leuprolide dosage forms

                            Typical dosing for Leuprolide

                            • Generic leuprolide 1 mg/0.2 mL injection: The typical dose is 1 mg (or 0.2 mL) injected under the skin once daily.

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Leuprolide and other drugs

                            Leuprolide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Leuprolide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Leuprolide?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Leuprolide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Leuprolide
                            Used for:
                            $226.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Used for:
                            • Advanced prostate cancer

                            Used for:
                            • Advanced prostate cancer

                            latest news

                            What is the latest news about Leuprolide?

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                            References

                            Best studies we found

                            Alyasin, A., et al. (2016). GnRH agonist trigger versus hCG trigger in GnRH antagonist in IVF/ICSI cycles: A review article. International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine.

                            Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2024). Leuprolide acetate kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

                            View All References (4)

                            National Cancer Institute. (2021). Hormone therapy for prostate cancer.

                            NorthStar RxLLC. (2024). Leuprolide acetate- leuprolide acetate [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. (n.d.). ART medications.

                            Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. (n.d.). Injection techniques and medications.

                            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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