Lupron is the brand name for Leuprolide acetate, an injected medication that inhibits the action of gonadotropins, medications that stimulate hormone production. Children who experience precocious or early puberty (puberty that occurs before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys) are often given Lupron to suppress hormone release until they reach the normal age for puberty. Precocious puberty affects one in 10,000 children and occurs more often in girls than boys. Lupron, like any drug given to growing children, can have serious side effects.
Systemic Side Effects
Children taking Lupron may experience body aches. Symptoms affecting 1 percent or fewer of the children taking Lupron include headache, fainting, nervousness, fever, weight gain and body odor. Severe allergic reactions, with shortness of breath, hives, facial swelling and collapse can occur.
Skin Reactions
Localized reactions at the injection site such as redness, infection and abscess also occurred in 2 percent or more of cases, Abbott Laboratories states. Acne and a rash known as erythema multiforme may be occur. Hair loss and stretch marks known as striae also occurred in less than 2 percent.
Female Side Effects
In girls, the side effects of Lupron include vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge. After a few weeks of treatments, girls may also have hot flashes, vaginal dryness and insomnia, Columbia University's Health Services states. Breasts will either decrease in size or not grow any larger. Cervical disorders occur rarely.
Male Side Effects
Boys taking Lupron may experience prostate pain. Sex organs will shrink to a size normal for the child's age, the Nemours Foundation KidsHealth website states. Gynecomastia, or abnormal breast growth, may occur.
Pituitary Apoplexy
Pituitary apoplexy caused by sudden cell death, often caused by hemorrhage within the pituitary. Pituitary apoplexy is a rare reaction in children taking Lupron, but one that requires immediate medical attention. The pituitary that causes sudden headache, a change in mental status, changes in vision, vomiting and possible cardiac collapse, according to Drugs.com.
Bone Effects
Bone density may be decreased in children taking Lupron. Calcium supplements might be given to decrease bone loss, according to Columbia University. Children taking Lupron will stop growing rapidly and grow at a normal rate.
Future Fertility Issues
According to Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Lupron, animal studies have shown no long-term negative effects on future fertility.
Member Comments