Depending on your dosage, you will need to return for an injection every month, every 3 months, or every 4 months. Your doctor will use these subsequent office visits to check your progress, and address any treatment-related concerns you may have. Your doctor may also take a blood sample to monitor your testosterone blood levels and PSA.
Possible Side EffectsDuring the first few weeks of starting Lupron Depot therapy, testosterone blood levels rise before they fall. In some men, this rise may cause a temporary increase in their prostate cancer symptoms, such as pain and difficulty urinating. It is always important to call your doctor if any new or worsening symptoms occur when starting or changing a medication.
Side effects may occur from the use of Lupron Depot. Possible side effects include injection site reactions (e.g. swelling, redness), general pain, retaining fluid in the arms or legs, shrinking of the testicles, urinating problems, joint problems and stomach and intestinal problems.
If your cancer has spread to the spine or urinary tract, you may require close medical attention during your first few weeks of therapy. You should notify your doctor if you develop any new or worsened symptoms after beginning Lupron Depot treatment.
Lupron Depot may cause impotence. If you experience impotence during Lupron Depot treatment, it could be due to decreased testosterone levels. Talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Injection SitesLupron Depot is an intramuscular (IM) injection, a shot where the needle goes into the muscle under the skin. Lupron Depot must be administered under the supervision of a physician.
Injection Sites Include:
Upper arm
Top of the thighs
Buttocks
After an intramuscular injection, there may be some discomfort at the injection site.
Sticking to the Appointment Schedule It is very important that you keep all scheduled appointments for Lupron Depot injections with your doctor. Lupron Depot is designed to give you medication over a set amount of time to provide you with effective testosterone suppression. Your injections are timed to maintain your blood level of medication to keep your testosterone levels low. If you miss your injections, your therapy may not be as effective. Sticking to your injection schedule is important. It is recommended that your PSA and serum testosterone levels be monitored at regular intervals.
Communicating with Your Doctor Before doctor visits, spend some time thinking about the questions you want answered, write them down and take them to your appointment. Good communication between you and your doctor may help make living with prostate cancer a lot more manageable. By taking an active role in your treatment, you can partner with your doctor to help your doctor help you. This means asking questions, taking notes, and even keeping a journal. Understanding more about your treatment can help make you more comfortable about it over time.
Use and Important Safety Information you should know about Lupron Depot?(leuprolide acetate for depot suspension)Important Safety Information
Do not take LUPRON DEPOT if you have experienced any type of allergic reaction to LUPRON DEPOT or similar drugs.
An increase in testosterone will generally occur during the first few weeks of therapy. In some men, this may cause a temporary increase in urinary symptoms and/or pain. If your cancer has spread to the spine or urinary tract, you may require close medical attention during the first few weeks of therapy. You should also know that LUPRON DEPOT may cause impotence. You should notify your doctor if you develop any new or worsened symptoms after beginning LUPRON DEPOT treatment.
It is recommended that your PSA and serum testosterone levels be monitored at regular intervals.
The most common side effects of LUPRON DEPOT include hot flashes or sweats, injection site reactions, general pain, edema, testicular atrophy, urinary disorders, joint disorder and GI disorders.
LUPRON DEPOT must be administered in your doctor' office.
This is the most important information to know about LUPRON DEPOT. For more information, talk with your health care provider.
