Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 27, 2012

Eligard

Prostate Cancer »

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland is an organ that is located at the base or outlet (neck) of the urinary bladder. (See the diagram that follows.) The gland surrounds the first part of the urethra. The urethra is the passage through which urine drains from the bladder to exit from the penis. One function of the prostate gland is to help control urination by pressing directly against the part of the urethra that it surrounds. The main function of the prostate gland is to produce some of the substances that are found in normal semen, such as minerals and sugar. Semen is the fluid that transports the sperm to assist with reproduction. A man can manage quite well, however, without his prostate gland. (See the section on surgical treatment for prostate cancer.)

In a young man, the normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut (<30g). During normal aging, however, the gland usually grows larger. This hormone-related enlargement with aging is called b...

Read the Prostate Cancer article »

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OVERDOSE

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.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity

ELIGARD (leuprolide acetate) ® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonist analogs or any of the components of ELIGARD (leuprolide acetate) ®. Anaphylactic reactions to synthetic GnRH or GnRH agonist analogs have been reported in the literature.

Pregnancy

ELIGARD (leuprolide acetate) may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Expected hormonal changes that occur with ELIGARD (leuprolide acetate) treatment increase the risk for pregnancy loss and fetal harm when administered to a pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations]. ELIGARD (leuprolide acetate) is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/3/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.