ELIGARD® is a sterile polymeric matrix formulation of leuprolide acetate for subcutaneous injection. It is designed to deliver leuprolide acetate at a controlled rate over a one-, three-, four- or six-month therapeutic period.

Leuprolide acetate is a synthetic nonapeptide analog of naturally occurring gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH or LH-RH) that, when given continuously, inhibits pituitary gonadotropin secretion and suppresses testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis. The analog possesses greater potency than the natural hormone. The chemical name is 5-oxo-L-prolyl-L- histidyl-L-tryptophyl-L-seryl-L-tyrosyl-D-leucyl-L-leucyl-L-arginyl-N-ethyl-L-prolinamide acetate (salt) with the following structural formula:

ELIGARD® is prefilled and supplied in two separate, sterile syringes whose contents are mixed immediately prior to administration. The two syringes are joined and the single dose product is mixed until it is homogenous. ELIGARD® is administered subcutaneously, where it forms a solid drug delivery depot.

One syringe contains the ATRIGEL® Delivery System and the other contains leuprolide acetate. ATRIGEL® is a polymeric (non-gelatin containing) delivery system consisting of a biodegradable poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGH or PLG) polymer formulation dissolved in a biocompatible solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).

Refer to Table 1 for the delivery system composition and constituted product formulation for each ELIGARD® product.

Table 1 - ELIGARD® Delivery System Composition and Constituted Product Formulation

Last updated on RxList: 12/4/2007

ELIGARD® is indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

ELIGARD® is administered subcutaneously and provides continuous release of leuprolide acetate over a one-, three-, four- or six-month treatment period (Table 8). The injection delivers the dose of leuprolide acetate incorporated in a polymer formulation.

Table 8 - ELIGARD® Recommended Dosing

As with other drugs administered by subcutaneous injection, the injection site should vary periodically. The specific injection location chosen should be an area with sufficient soft or loose subcutaneous tissue. In clinical trials, the injection was administered in the upper- or mid- abdominal area. Avoid areas with brawny or fibrous subcutaneous tissue or locations that could be rubbed or compressed (i.e., with a belt or clothing waistband).

Mixing Procedure

IMPORTANT: Allow the product to reach room temperature before using. Once mixed, the product must be administered within 30 minutes.

Follow the instructions as directed to ensure proper preparation of ELIGARD® prior to administration:

ELIGARD® is packaged in either thermoformed trays or pouches. Each carton contains:

• One sterile Syringe A pre-filled with the ATRIGEL® Delivery System
• One Syringe B pre-filled with leuprolide acetate powder
• One long white plunger rod for use with Syringe B
• One sterile needle
• Desiccant pack(s)

1. On a clean field, open all of the packages and remove the contents. Discard the desiccant pack(s).

2. Pull out the blue-tipped short plunger rod and attached stopper from Syringe B and discard (Figure 9). Gently insert the long, white replacement plunger rod into the gray primary stopper remaining in Syringe B by twisting it in place (Figure 10).

3. Unscrew the clear cap from Syringe A (Figure 11). Remove the gray rubber cap from Syringe B (Figure 12).

4. Join the two syringes together by pushing in and twisting until secure (Figure 13).

5. Inject the liquid contents of Syringe A into Syringe B containing the leuprolide acetate. Thoroughly mix the product by pushing the contents of both syringes back and forth between syringes (approximately 45 seconds) to obtain a uniform suspension (Figure 14). (7.5 mg PI, 22.5 mg PI, 30 mg PI, 45 mg PI) When thoroughly mixed, the suspension will appear light tan to tan (ELIGARD® 7.5 mg) or colorless to pale yellow (ELIGARD®, 22.5 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg) in color. Please Note: Product must be mixed as described; shaking will not provide adequate mixing of the product.

6. Hold the syringes vertically with Syringe B on the bottom. The syringes should remain securely coupled. Draw the entire mixed product into Syringe B (short, wide syringe) by depressing the Syringe A plunger and slightly withdrawing the Syringe B plunger. Uncouple Syringe A while continuing to push down on the Syringe A plunger (Figure 15). Note: Small air bubbles will remain in the formulation - this is acceptable.

7. Hold Syringe B upright. Remove the cap on the bottom of the sterile needle cartridge by twisting it (Figure 16). Attach the needle cartridge to the end of Syringe B (Figure 17) by pushing in and turning the needle until it is firmly seated. Do not twist the needle onto the syringe until it is stripped. Pull off the clear needle cartridge cover prior to administration (Figure 18).

Administration Procedure

IMPORTANT: Allow the product to reach room temperature before using. Once mixed, the product must be administered within 30 minutes.

1. Choose an injection site on the abdomen, upper buttocks, or anywhere with adequate amounts of subcutaneous tissue that does not have excessive pigment, nodules, lesions, or hair. Since you can vary the injection site with a subcutaneous injection, choose an area that hasn't recently been used.
2. Cleanse the injection-site area with an alcohol swab.
3. Using the thumb and forefinger of your nondominant hand, grab and bunch the area of skin around the injection site.
4. Using your dominant hand, insert the needle quickly at a 90° angle. The approximate angle you use will depend on the amount and fullness of the subcutaneous tissue and the length of the needle. After the needle is inserted, release the skin with your nondominant hand.
5. Inject the drug using a slow, steady push. Press down on the plunger until the syringe is empty.
6. Withdraw the needle quickly at the same angle used for insertion.
7. Discard all components safely in an appropriate biohazard container.

ELIGARD® is available in a single use kit. The kit consists of a two-syringe mixing system, a sterile needle (Table 9), a silicone desiccant pouch to control moisture uptake, and a package insert for constitution and administration procedures. Each syringe is individually packaged. One contains the ATRIGEL® Delivery System and the other contains leuprolide acetate. When constituted, ELIGARD® is administered as a single dose.

Table 9 - ELIGARD® Needle specifications

ELIGARD® 7.5 mg - NDC 0024-0793-75
ELIGARD® 22.5 mg - NDC 0024-0222-05
ELIGARD® 30 mg - NDC 0024-0610-30
ELIGARD® 45 mg - NDC 0024-0605-45

Store at 2 - 8 °C (35.6 - 46.4 °F)

REFERENCE

2 MacLeod TL et al. Anaphylactic reaction to synthetic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone. Fertil Steril 1987 Sept; 48(3): 500-502.

Manufactured for: sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Manufactured by: QLT USA, Inc. Fort Collins, CO 80525. FDA Rev date: 11/8/2007

Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2007

The safety of all ELIGARD® formulations was evaluated in clinical trials involving patients with advanced prostate cancer. In addition, the safety of ELIGARD® 7.5 mg was evaluated in 8 surgically castrated males (Table 7). ELIGARD®, like other LH-RH analogs, caused a transient increase in serum testosterone concentrations during the first one to two weeks of treatment. Therefore, potential exacerbations of signs and symptoms of the disease during the first weeks of treatment are of concern in patients with vertebral metastases and/or urinary obstruction or hematuria. If these conditions are aggravated, it may lead to neurological problems such as weakness and/or paresthesia of the lower limbs or worsening of urinary symptoms (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

During the clinical trials, injection sites were closely monitored. Refer to Table 6 for a summary of reported injection site events.

Table 6 - Reported Injection Site Adverse Events

These localized adverse events were non-recurrent over time. No patient discontinued therapy due to an injection site adverse event.

The following possibly or probably related systemic adverse events occurred during clinical trials with ELIGARD®, and were reported in > 2% of patients (Table 7). Often, causality is difficult to assess in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Reactions considered not drug- related are excluded.

Table 7 - Summary of Possible or Probably Related Systemic Adverse Events Reported by > 2% of Patients treated with ELIGARD®

In addition, the following possibly or probably related systemic adverse events were reported by < 2% of the patients treated with ELIGARD® in these clinical studies.

Changes in Bone Density: Decreased bone density has been reported in the medical literature in men who have had orchiectomy or who have been treated with an LH-RH agonist analog.³ It can be anticipated that long periods of medical castration in men will have effects on bone density.

Post-Marketing

Pituitary apoplexy: During post-marketing surveillance, rare cases of pituitary apoplexy (a clinical syndrome secondary to infarction of the pituitary gland) have been reported after the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. In a majority of these cases, a pituitary adenoma was diagnosed with a majority of pituitary apoplexy cases occurring within 2 weeks of the first dose, and some within the first hour. In these cases, pituitary apoplexy has presented as sudden headache, vomiting, visual changes, ophthalmoplegia, altered mental status, and sometimes cardiovascular collapse. Immediate medical attention has been required.

See PHARMACOKINETICS.

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions: Therapy with leuprolide acetate results in suppression of the pituitary-gonadal system. Results of diagnostic tests of pituitary gonadotropic and gonadal functions conducted during and after leuprolide therapy may be affected.

3 Hatano T et al. Incidence of bone fracture in patients receiving luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists for prostate cancer. BJU International 2000 86: 449-452.

Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2007

ELIGARD® 7.5 mg 22.5 mg 30 mg, like other LH-RH agonists, causes a transient increase in serum concentrations of testosterone during the first week of treatment. ELIGARD® 45 mg causes a transient increase in serum concentrations of testosterone during the first two weeks of treatment. Patients may experience worsening of symptoms or onset of new signs and symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment, including bone pain, neuropathy, hematuria, or bladder outlet obstruction. Isolated cases of ureteral obstruction and/or spinal cord compression, which may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications, have been observed in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer using LH-RH agonists (see PRECAUTIONS).

If spinal cord compression or ureteral obstruction develops, standard treatment of these complications should be instituted.

General: Patients with metastatic vertebral lesions and/or with urinary tract obstruction should be closely observed during the first few weeks of therapy (see WARNINGS section).

Laboratory Tests: Response to ELIGARD® should be monitored by measuring serum concentrations of testosterone and prostate specific antigen periodically.

In the majority of patients, testosterone levels increased above Baseline during the first week, declining thereafter to Baseline levels or below by the end of the second or third week. Castrate levels were generally reached within two to four weeks.

Castrate testosterone levels were maintained for the duration of the treatment with ELIGARD® 7.5 mg. No increases to above the castrate level occurred in any of the patients.

Castrate levels were generally maintained for the duration of treatment with ELIGARD® 22.5 mg.

Once castrate levels were achieved with ELIGARD® 30 mg, most (86/89) patients remained suppressed throughout the study.

Once castrate levels were achieved with ELIGARD® 45 mg, only one patient ( < 1%) experienced a breakthrough, with testosterone levels > 50 ng/dL.

Results of testosterone determinations are dependent on assay methodology. It is advisable to be aware of the type and precision of the assay methodology to make appropriate clinical and therapeutic decisions.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: Two-year carcinogenicity studies were conducted with leuprolide acetate in rats and mice. In rats, a dose-related increase of benign pituitary hyperplasia and benign pituitary adenomas was noted at 24 months when the drug was administered subcutaneously at high daily doses (0.6 to 4 mg/kg). There was a significant but not dose-related increase of pancreatic islet-cell adenomas in females and of testicular interstitial cell adenomas in males (highest incidence in the low dose group). In mice, no leuprolide acetate-induced tumors or pituitary abnormalities were observed at a dose as high as 60 mg/kg for two years. Patients have been treated with leuprolide acetate for up to three years with doses as high as 10 mg/day and for two years with doses as high as 20 mg/day without demonstrable pituitary abnormalities. No carcinogenicity studies have been conducted with ELIGARD®.

Mutagenicity studies have been performed with leuprolide acetate using bacterial and mammalian systems and with ELIGARD® 7.5 mg in bacterial systems. These studies provided no evidence of a mutagenic potential.

Pregnancy, Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy category X (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Pediatric Use: ELIGARD® is contraindicated in pediatric patients and was not studied in children (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2007

In clinical trials using daily subcutaneous injections of leuprolide acetate in patients with prostate cancer, doses as high as 20 mg/day for up to two years caused no adverse effects differing from those observed with the 1 mg/day dose.

1. ELIGARD® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonist analogs or any of the components of ELIGARD®. Anaphylactic reactions to synthetic GnRH or GnRH agonist analogs have been reported in the literature.²
2. ELIGARD® is contraindicated in women and in pediatric patients and was not studied in women or children. Moreover, leuprolide acetate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Major fetal abnormalities were observed in rabbits but not in rats after administration of leuprolide acetate throughout gestation. There were increased fetal mortality and decreased fetal weights in rats and rabbits. The effects on fetal mortality are expected consequences of the alterations in hormonal levels brought about by this drug. The possibility exists that spontaneous abortion may occur.

Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2007

Leuprolide acetate, an LH-RH agonist, acts as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion when given continuously in therapeutic doses. Animal and human studies indicate that after an initial stimulation, chronic administration of leuprolide acetate results in suppression of testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis. This effect is reversible upon discontinuation of drug therapy.

In humans, administration of leuprolide acetate results in an initial increase in circulating levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to a transient increase in levels of the gonadal steroids (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in males, and estrone and estradiol in premenopausal females). However, continuous administration of leuprolide acetate results in decreased levels of LH and FSH. In males, testosterone is reduced to below castrate threshold ( ≤ 50 ng/dL). These decreases occur within two to four weeks after initiation of treatment. Long-term studies have shown that continuation of therapy with leuprolide acetate maintains testosterone below the castrate level for up to seven years.

Pharmacodynamics

Following the first dose of ELIGARD®, mean serum testosterone concentrations transiently increased, then fell to below castrate threshold ( ≤ 50 ng/dL) within three weeks for all ELIGARD® concentrations.

Continued monthly treatment with ELIGARD® 7.5 mg maintained castrate testosterone suppression throughout the study. No breakthrough of testosterone concentrations above castrate threshold (> 50 ng/dL) occurred at any time during the study once castrate suppression was achieved (Figure 1).

One patient received less than a full dose of ELIGARD® 22.5 mg at baseline, never suppressed and withdrew from the study at Day 73. Of the 116 patients remaining in the study, 115 (99%) had serum testosterone levels below the castrate threshold by Month 1 (Day 28). By Day 35, 116 (100%) had serum testosterone levels below the castrate threshold. Once testosterone suppression was achieved, one patient ( < 1%) demonstrated breakthrough (concentrations > 50 ng/dL after achieving castrate levels) following the initial injection; that patient remained below the castrate threshold following the second injection (Figure 2).

One patient withdrew from the ELIGARD® 30 mg study at Day 14. Of the 89 patients remaining in the study, 85 (96%) had serum testosterone levels below the castrate threshold by Month 1 (Day 28). By Day 42, 89 (100%) of patients attained castrate testosterone suppression. Once castrate testosterone suppression was achieved, three patients (3%) demonstrated breakthrough (concentrations > 50 ng/dL after achieving castrate levels) (Figure 3).

One patient at Day 1 and another patient at Day 29 were withdrawn from the ELIGARD® 45 mg study. Of the 109 patients remaining in the study, 108 (99.1%) had serum testosterone levels below the castrate threshold by Month 1 (Day 28). One patient did not achieve castrate suppression and was withdrawn from the study at Day 85. Once castrate testosterone suppression was achieved, one patient ( < 1%) demonstrated breakthrough (concentrations > 50 ng/dL after achieving castrate levels) (Figure 4).

Leuprolide acetate is not active when given orally.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

ELIGARD® 7.5 mg

The pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics observed during three once-monthly injections in 20 patients with advanced prostate cancer is shown in Figure 1. Mean serum leuprolide concentrations following the initial injection rose to 25.3 ng/mL (Cmax) at approximately 5 hours after injection. After the initial increase following each injection, serum concentrations remained relatively constant (0.28 - 2.00 ng/mL).

Figure 1 - Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Response (N=20) to ELIGARD® 7.5 mg - Patients Dosed Initially and at Months 1 and 2

A reduced number of sampling timepoints resulted in the apparent decrease in Cmax values with the second and third doses of ELIGARD® 7.5 mg (Figure 1).

ELIGARD® 22.5 mg

The pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics observed during two injections every three months (ELIGARD® 22.5 mg) in 22 patients with advanced prostate cancer is shown in Figure 2. Mean serum leuprolide concentrations rose to 127 ng/mL and 107 ng/mL at approximately 5 hours following the initial and second injections, respectively. After the initial increase following each injection, serum concentrations remained relatively constant (0.2 - 2.0 ng/mL).

Figure 2 - Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Response (N=22) to ELIGARD® 22.5 mg - Patients Dosed Initially and at Month 3

ELIGARD® 30 mg

The pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics observed during injections administered initially and at four months (ELIGARD® 30 mg ) in 24 patients with advanced prostate cancer is shown in Figure 3. Mean serum leuprolide concentrations following the initial injection rose rapidly to 150 ng/mL (Cmax) at approximately 3.3 hours after injection. After the initial increase following each injection, mean serum concentrations remained relatively constant (0.1 - 1.0 ng/mL).

Figure 3 -Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Response (N=24) to ELIGARD® 30 mg - Patients Dosed Initially and at Month 4

ELIGARD® 45 mg

The pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics observed during injections administered initially and at six months (ELIGARD® 45 mg) in 27 patients with advanced prostate cancer is shown in Figure 4. Mean serum leuprolide concentrations rose to 82.0 ng/mL and 102 ng/mL (Cmax) at approximately 4.5 hours following the initial and second injections, respectively. After the initial increase following each injection, mean serum concentrations remained relatively constant (0.2 - 2.0 ng/mL).

Figure 4 - Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Response (N=27) to ELIGARD® 45 mg - Patients Dosed Initially and at Month 6

There was no evidence of significant accumulation during repeated dosing. Nondetectable leuprolide plasma concentrations have been occasionally observed during ELIGARD® administration, but testosterone levels were maintained at castrate levels.

Distribution: The mean steady-state volume of distribution of leuprolide following intravenous bolus administration to healthy male volunteers was 27 L.¹ In vitro binding to human plasma proteins ranged from 43% to 49%.

Metabolism: In healthy male volunteers, a 1-mg bolus of leuprolide administered intravenously revealed that the mean systemic clearance was 8.34 L/h, with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 3 hours based on a two compartment model.¹

No drug metabolism study was conducted with ELIGARD®. Upon administration with different leuprolide acetate formulations, the major metabolite of leuprolide acetate is a pentapeptide (M-1) metabolite.

Excretion: No drug excretion study was conducted with ELIGARD®.

Special Populations

Geriatrics: The majority of the patients (approximately 70%) studied in the clinical trials were age 70 and older.

Pediatrics: The safety and effectiveness of ELIGARD® in pediatric patients have not been established (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Race: In patients studied, mean serum leuprolide concentrations were similar regardless of race. Refer to Table 2 for distribution of study patients by race.

Table 2 - Race Characterization of Study Patients

Renal and Hepatic Insufficiency: The pharmacokinetics of ELIGARD® in hepatically and renally impaired patients have not been determined.

Drug-Drug Interactions: No pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with ELIGARD®.

Clinical Studies

One open-label, multicenter study was conducted with each ELIGARD® formulation (7.5 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg) in patients with Jewett stage A though D prostate cancer who were treated with at least a single injection of study drug (Table 3). These studies evaluated the achievement and maintenance of castrate serum testosterone suppression over the duration of therapy (Figures 5-8).

During the AGL9904 study using ELIGARD® 7.5 mg, once testosterone suppression was achieved, no patients (0%) demonstrated breakthrough (concentration > 50 ng/dL) at any time in the study.

During the AGL9909 study using ELIGARD® 22.5 mg, once testosterone suppression was achieved, only one patient ( < 1%) demonstrated breakthrough following the initial injection; that patient remained below the castrate threshold following the second injection.

During the AGL0001 study using ELIGARD® 30 mg, once testosterone suppression was achieved, three patients (3%) demonstrated breakthrough. In the first of these patients, a single serum testosterone concentration of 53 ng/dL was reported on the day after the second injection. In this patient, castrate suppression was reported for all other timepoints. In the second patient, a serum testosterone concentration of 66 ng/dL was reported immediately prior to the second injection. This rose to a maximum concentration of 147 ng/dL on the second day after the second injection. In this patient, castrate suppression was again reached on the seventh day after the second injection and was maintained thereafter. In the final patient, serum testosterone concentrations > 50 ng/dL were reported at 2 and at 8 hours after the second injection. Serum testosterone concentration rose to a maximum of 110 ng/dL on the third day after the second injection. In this patient, castrate suppression was again reached eighteen days after the second injection and was maintained until the final day of the study, when a single serum testosterone concentration of 55 ng/dL was reported.

During the AGL0205 study using ELIGARD® 45 mg, once testosterone suppression was achieved, one patient ( < 1%) demonstrated breakthrough. This patient reached castrate suppression at Day 21 and remained suppressed until Day 308 when his testosterone level rose to 112 ng/dL. At Month 12 (Day 336), his testosterone was 210 ng/dL.

Table 3 - Summary of ELIGARD® Clinical Studies

Figure 5 - ELIGARD® 7.5 mg Mean Serum Testosterone Concentrations (n=117)

Figure 6 - ELIGARD® 22.5 mg Mean Serum Testosterone Concentrations (n=111)

Figure 7 - ELIGARD® 30 mg Mean Serum Testosterone Concentrations (n=90)

Figure 8 - ELIGARD® 45 mg Mean Serum Testosterone Concentrations (n=103)

Serum PSA decreased in all patients in all studies whose Baseline values were elevated above the normal limit. Refer to Table 4 for a summary of the effectiveness of ELIGARD® in reducing serum PSA values.

Table 4 - Effect of ELIGARD® on Patient Serum PSA Values

Other secondary efficacy endpoints evaluated included WHO performance status, bone pain, urinary pain and urinary signs and symptoms. Refer to Table 5 for a summary of these endpoints.

Table 5 - Secondary Efficacy Endpoints

REFERENCE

1 Sennello LT et al. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of leuprolide in humans following intravenous and subcutaneous administration. J Pharm Sci 1986; 75(2): 158-160.

2 MacLeod TL et al. Anaphylactic reaction to synthetic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone. Fertil Steril 1987 Sept; 48(3): 500-502.

Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2007

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.

Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2007

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

LEUPROLIDE MONTHLY (7.5 MG) SUBCUTANEOUS - INJECTION

(LEW-pro-lide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eligard

USES: Leuprolide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Leuprolide works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Other leuprolide products may also be used to treat disorders of the uterus (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids). In females, leuprolide reduces the amount of estrogen that the body makes. Leuprolide may also be used to stop early puberty in children.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously), usually once a month or as directed by your doctor. This product slowly releases the medication into your blood over a 1-month period.

If you are directed to inject this medication yourself, learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Remove the product from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Wash your hands and properly mix the medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problem areas under the skin. Give each dose within 30 minutes of mixing. If more than 30 minutes have passed since mixing, throw out the product and prepare another syringe/dose.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to schedule the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS: Hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, tiredness, swelling of the ankles/feet, increased urination at night, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings), dizziness, or mild burning/pain/bruising at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Infrequently, shrinking of the testicles, breast tenderness/swelling, and reduced sexual interest/ability may also occur as a result of lowered testosterone levels. Talk to your doctor if these effects occur.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

During the first few weeks of treatment, your level of testosterone will actually increase before it decreases. This is a normal response by your body to this drug. This may sometimes result in new or worsening symptoms for a few weeks. If you have prostate cancer that has spread to the spine or caused urinary blockage, you may require closer monitoring by your doctor, especially when you first start treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: bone pain, numbness/tingling/weakness of the arms/legs, blood in the urine, painful/difficult urination, unusual weakness, inability to move.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new/worsening bone pain, easily broken bones.

Rarely, a very serious problem with your pituitary gland (pituitary apoplexy) may occur, usually in the first hour to 2 weeks after your first injection. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these very serious side effects occur: sudden severe headache, sudden severe mental/mood changes (e.g., severe confusion, difficulty concentrating), vision changes, severe vomiting, fainting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using leuprolide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Leuprolide may weaken your bones and increase your risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have osteoporosis or if you have any of the following risk factors for osteoporosis: long-term alcohol use, smoking, family history of osteoporosis and broken bones, use of certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids such as prednisone, certain anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin).

This drug may make you dizzy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Leuprolide must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss reliable forms of birth control. Non-hormonal birth control methods are recommended during treatment with leuprolide.

It is not known if leuprolide passes into breast milk. Because the effects of leuprolide on a nursing infant are unknown, breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood testosterone level, PSA blood test) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: It is very important that you do not miss any doses. However, if you do miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to establish a new schedule.

STORAGE: Refrigerate between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.