Lupron (leuprolide acetate) injection is a prescription medication that mimics the action of a naturally-occurring hormone called gonadotropin releasing hormone. This medication, primarily indicated to manage advanced prostate cancer symptoms, works by limiting the growth of prostate tumors. Women who have uterine fibroids or endometriosis may also be prescribed Lupron to help manage symptoms of these conditions. Talk with your doctor about Lupron injection side effects before you begin treatment with this medication.
Injection Site Reaction
Lupron is administered as an injection beneath the skin once each day or as prescribed by your doctor. After self-administering this medication, you may notice the development of a skin reaction at the site of injection. Injection site reaction symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, redness, bruising or itching of the affected skin region, according to health officials at Medline Plus, an online medical encyclopedia provided as a service of the National Institutes of Health.
Hot Flashes or Sweating
In clinical trials, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that almost 60 percent of patients receiving Lupron injection experienced hot flashes or excessive sweating as a side effect of this medication. Night sweats can be uncomfortable and may cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night. This effect of Lupron injection can contribute to symptoms of excessive tiredness or fatigue during the day, which may affect your productivity at work or home. Certain patients may also experience dizziness or headache in conjunction with hot flashes while receiving this medication.
Body Aches or Weakness
During treatment with Lupron injection, you can develop general sensations of pain throughout your body as a side effect, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed informational drug product website for consumers. Body pain can also contribute to muscle weakness and fatigue, which can affect your ability to move about normally. You may also have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to these body pain side effects of Lupron injection.
Sexual Difficulties
Certain patients taking Lupron injection can develop sexual difficulties. Medline Plus explains that both men and women can experience a decrease in sexual drive or desire (libido), which may negatively impact intimate relationships. Men taking this medication can develop difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection--a condition called impotence. These potential side effects should be discussed with both your intimate partner and your doctor before you begin Lupron injection treatment.
Upset Stomach
After administering a dose of Lupron, you can begin to develop symptoms of an upset stomach as a side effect of treatment. Certain patients may feel nauseous or begin to vomit, warns Drugs.com. You can also experience changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. These side effects may contribute to sensations of pain, discomfort or bloating within your stomach or abdomen. Stomach-related side effects of Lupron injection can decrease your appetite and can occur in conjunction with fatigue or weakness.
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