Lupron, known by the generic name leuprolide, is an analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH. This synthetic hormone increases the secretion of other horomones in the body. Lupron is prescribed to men, women and children to treat prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and central precocious puberty. The side effects of Lupron are rare or mild but can become serious in some instances. Talk to your doctor to learn more about such side effects before beginning Lupron therapy.
Common Side Effects
General side effects with Lurpon use are listed by Drugs.com and include sweating, weakness, lethargy, muscle pain and shortness of breath. Hearing problems, nodules in the throat and increased uric acid production have also been reported. Any side effects of Lupron should be reported to a health professional.
Hormonal Side Effects
Drug safety information reproduced by Drugs.com reports that a large number of Lupron patients will experience endocrine side effects as a result of hypoestrogenism and hypoandrogenism. These effects include hot flashes, gynecomastia, breast tenderness, changes in breast size, decreases in testicular size, diabetes and impotence.
Anxiety
Some patients using Lupron have reported anxiety-related side effects. The Lupron Depot website lists such side effects as depression, insomnia, nervousness, decreased libido, increased libido in women and short-term memory loss.
Nervous System Effects
Common nervous system side effects of Lupron described by the Drugs.com include headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, numbness, peripheral neuropathy, paralysis, convulsions and spinal fracture.
Cardiovascular Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, cardiovascular side effects reported with Lupron use include changes in ECG readings, ischemia, peripheral edema, hypotension, hypertension, thrombosis, heart murmur, pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Individuals taking Lupron, have experienced gastrointestinal side effects including constipation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, weight gain and flatulence, says Drugs.com.
Skin Reactions
Dermatologic complications of Lupron use include rash, dryness, acne, hair loss, light sensitivity, clamminess, increased sweating and changes in skin pigmentation.
Cancer
Some oncological side effects of Lupron have been reported, including granulomas. Drugs.com explains that animal studies have demonstrated an increase in benign pituitary adenomas, benign pituitary hyperplasia as well as an increase in testicular adenomas in males.
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