Leuprolide (Implantation)

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• This medicine is not intended for use in women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney problems, bone problems, spinal cord (back) problems, trouble urinating, bladder blockage, or pituitary gland problems.
• When the medicine is starting to work, your symptoms may increase for a few days. This should clear up as you continue to use the medicine. You might have bone pain, back pain, a tingling or numbness in the body, blood in the urine, or trouble urinating. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.
• If the cut in your arm has not healed within 2 weeks after you received the implant, call your doctor.
• This implant will show up on an x-ray. If you need to have an x-ray, CT (CAT) scan, or MRI, be sure to tell the doctor in charge that you have the implant.
• If you use this medicine for a long period of time, your bones may become thinner. Ask your doctor if this is a risk for you.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blood in the urine.
• Bruising, burning, redness, pain, swelling, or bleeding around the implant.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination.
• Shortness of breath or troubled breathing.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Weakness, tingling, or burning pain in your legs or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bone pain.
• Breast pain or swelling (in men).
• Diarrhea.
• Hair loss.
• Headache, depression, or weakness.
• Pain in the testicles.
• Sweating.
• Trouble having sex or loss of interest in sex.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
• Weight gain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Leuprolide (LOO-proe-lide)

Helps to relieve pain and other symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.

Brand Name(s)

Viadur

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Implant

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine is an implant which comes in a short, thin metal tube that is surgically placed under the skin of your upper, inner arm.
• Your doctor will numb the area, make a small cut, and place the implant under the skin. Special tape will be used to hold the cut in your skin closed. You will keep a bandage over the cut for a few days.
• After the implant is put in place, you should keep the cut clean and dry, and do not swim or take a bath for at least 24 hours.
• You should not do physical exercise or work or lift heavy things for at least 48 hours after getting the implant.
• The special tape can be removed after at least 3 days or as soon as the cut is healed. After the cut heals, you may do all of your normal activities.
• The implant will provide a constant amount of the medicine to your body for 12 months.
• Your doctor will remove the implant after 12 months, and may insert another one if you need it.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss your appointment to remove or insert the implant, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.