Lupron Depot (leuprolide) is a type of hormone therapy prescribed as a chemotherapeutic treatment for patients with prostate, ovarian, uterine or breast cancer. This medication also is used for patients who have certain non-cancerous medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, infertility or endometriosis. Lupron Depot is typically administered by injection but can also be provided through a device that is implanted beneath the skin. Before beginning treatment with Lupron Depot, speak with your doctor to discuss the potential side effects of this medication.
Stomach Upset
While receiving treatment with Lupron Depot, you can develop gastrointestinal-related side effects due to this medication. Such symptoms can include nausea or vomiting. You may also find it difficult to have a bowel movement--a condition called constipation. Constipation can cause additional symptoms in some people, including abdominal pain, cramping or bloating.
Bone Pain
During treatment with Lupron Depot, you can develop bone pain as a side effect of the medication. Bone pain can be mild to moderate in severity and can contribute to additional symptoms, including muscle pain, weakness or numbness. Severe symptoms of paralysis or numbness on one side of your body are rare, and you should immediately discussed your doctor if they occur.
Infection
Use of Lupron Depot can cause you to be more susceptible to developing an infection while you are receiving treatment. Symptoms of infection can include fever, sore throat, chills, weakness or fatigue. If you experience recurrent infections while receiving Lupron Depot treatment, speak with your doctor, as additional medication may be necessary to treat the infection.
Insomnia
Certain people can experience sleeping difficulties while receiving Lupron Depot treatment. Insomnia--a condition characterized by prolonged difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep--can cause additional symptoms of daytime tiredness or fatigue. You may also experience hot flashes or excessive night sweating, which can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night.
Decreased Libido
Treatment with Lupron Depot can alter your sexual drive or desire (libido). Men taking this prescription can experience temporary impotence, which can make it difficult to become aroused or achieve orgasm normally. Breast pain or swelling can also occur in women or men who take this medication.
Injection Site Reaction
If you receiving this medication through an injection within the muscle (intramuscular injection) or beneath the skin (subcutaneous injection), you can experience a skin reaction at the site of the injection. Symptoms of an injection-site reaction include redness, irritation, itching or inflammation.
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