Lupron (leuprolide) is a medication used to treat prostate cancer symptoms. It can also treat endometriosis (a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside your uterus), uterine fibroids (tissue growth on your uterus) and precocious puberty (early puberty), says MedlinePlus. Lupron is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist that causes your body to produce too many hormones. According to Drugs.com, excess hormone production drives your body to shut down its production altogether. Lupron is available as an injection and you will receive 3.75mg of Lupron once a month or as your physician prescribes, says the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Lupron can cause breast swelling, acne, increased facial hair, testicular pain or vaginal itching. It can cause changes in your psychological state and cause memory problems and depression. Lupron's other typical side effects include dizziness, weakness, night sweats, joint pain, decreased libido (sex drive) and redness, swelling and burning at Lupron's injection site. In a study of 166 patients with endometriosis receiving 3.75mg of Lupron, the National Library of Medicine found that 32 percent experienced a headache, 19 percent experienced generalized pain, 3 percent developed asthenia (physical weakness), 84 percent developed hot flashes and sweating and 13 percent experienced nausea and vomiting. Also, 10 percent had acne, 1 percent had increased hair growth, 11 percent developed decreased libido, 22 percent experienced depression, 11 percent experienced dizziness, 6 percent experienced breast tenderness or pain and 28 percent developed a vaginal infection.
Serious Side Effects
MedlinePlus indicates that Lupron can cause difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating and pain in your bones, legs, prostate or testicles. Difficulty urinating can lead to acute renal (kidney) failure, so see your doctor promptly when this side effect emerges. A catheter will be placed into your urethra (structure where your urine exits) to safely drain your bladder. Lupron can also cause numbness or tingling of your feet or legs and itching. Call your doctor at once when Lupron initiates these side effects. She may lower the frequency of your Lupron injections so you won't get these side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Lupron if you are allergic to leuprolide. You can develop hives, trouble breathing and swelling of your face, throat or lips. Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis (brittle bone disease), asthma, epilepsy, migraines, depression, bone cancer and kidney or heart disease. Lupron may worsen these medical ailments. Avoid Lupron when you are pregnant as it can cause harm to your baby. Do not take Lupron with such medications as prednisone, cyclosporine, phenothiazenes and sevelamer. Lupron and these drugs can lead to the aforementioned effects.
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