What Are The Side Effects Of Lupron?

Lupron is a trade name for the generic prescription medication leuprolide acetate. It is also sold as Lupron Depot. This drug is a synthetic hormone designed to mimic gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Leuprolide is indicated for uterine fibroid tumors, endometriosis, precocious puberty and symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. According to the "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide," it is sometimes prescribed to treat infertility, enlarged prostate, breast cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. Leuprolide is given as an injection into the fat or muscle. Like all medication, Lupron has a variety of potential side effects. Seek medical attention for serious effects.

Hot Flashes

According to the drug manufacturer, hot flashes and sweats are the most common side effects of Lupron. Almost one-third of patients will notice these effects, believed to be due to a reduction of testosterone in the body.

Headache

Headache is also common side effect of Lupron. You may also feel dizzy or have bone pain or pain all over your body. Some patients have complained of numbness or tingling skin. You may also develop a rash or have itchy skin. Reddened patches could develop on your skin and some of your hair could fall out.

Swelling

You may develop swelling of your feet, ankles or hands. Less common, but more serious, circulatory side effects include blood clot in the vein, heart failure, heart rhythm abnormalities and heart attack.

Vomiting

Lupron can affect your gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and constipation. Some patients complain of a sour taste in the mouth. You may also suffer a bleed in your GI tract, which may cause your vomit to look like coffee grounds or your stool to become bloody or black.

Bloody Urine

Other common side effects of leuprolide acetate include bloody urine and urinary frequency. This drug can cause a male's testicles to shrink or become painful. He may become impotent and both genders may lose interest in sex. Men and women may experience breast swelling and tenderness.

Memory Loss

Some patients taking this medication experience temporary memory loss or depression. It is possible to feel excessively tired, become unable to sleep well and have blurry vision.

Difficulty Breathing

Breathing might become difficult. This is especially true if you have a pre-existing breathing problem. You can also develop slowed breathing, along with a weak, slow pulse. These effects can lead to fainting.

Allergic Reaction

Some patients develop an allergic reaction to Lupron. Drugs.com explains that this may manifest as difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the face, mouth or throat.