Clinical Trials
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 week of treatment.
Potential exacerbations of signs and symptoms during the first few weeks of
treatment is a concern in patients with vertebral metastases and/or urinary
obstruction or hematuria which, if aggravated, may lead to neurological problems
such as temporary weakness and/or paresthesia of the lower limbs or worsening
of urinary symptoms (see WARNINGS section).
In a clinical trial of LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg, the following adverse reactions
were reported in 5% or more of the patients during the initial 24-week treatment
period regardless of causality.
LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg (N=56)
| |
N |
(%) |
| Body as a Whole |
| General pain |
13 |
(23.2) |
| Infection |
3 |
(5.4) |
| Cardiovascular System |
| Hot flashes/sweats* |
32 |
(57.1) |
| Digestive System |
| GI disorders |
8 |
(14.3) |
| Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders |
| Edema |
8 |
(14.3) |
| Nervous System |
| Libido decreased* |
3 |
(5.4) |
| Respiratory System |
| Respiratory disorder |
6 |
(10.7) |
| Urogenital System |
| Urinary disorder |
7 |
(12.5) |
| Impotence* |
3 |
(5.4) |
| Testicular atrophy* |
3 |
(5.4) |
| *Due to the expected physiologic effect of
decreased testosterone levels. |
In this same study, the following adverse reactions were reported in less than
5% of the patients on LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg.
Body as a Whole - Asthenia, Cellulitis, Fever, Headache, Injection
site reaction, Neoplasm;
Cardiovascular System - Angina, Congestive heart failure;
Digestive System - Anorexia, Dysphagia, Eructation, Peptic ulcer;
Hemic and Lymphatic System - Ecchymosis;
Musculoskeletal System - Myalgia;
Nervous System - Agitation, Insomnia/sleep disorders, Neuromuscular
disorders;
Respiratory System - Emphysema, Hemoptysis, Lung edema, Sputum
increased;
Skin and Appendages - Hair disorder, Skin reaction;
Urogenital System - Balanitis, Breast enlargement, Urinary tract
infection.
Laboratory: Abnormalities of certain parameters were observed,
but their relationship to drug treatment are difficult to assess in this population.
The following were recorded in ≥ 5% of patients at final visit: Decreased
albumin, decreased hemoglobin/hematocrit, decreased prostatic acid phosphatase,
decreased total protein, decreased urine specific gravity, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia,
increased BUN, increased creatinine, increased liver function tests (AST, LDH),
increased phosphorus, increased platelets, increased prostatic acid phosphatase,
increased total cholesterol, increased urine specific gravity, leukopenia.
Postmarketing
During postmarketing surveillance, which includes other dosage forms and other
patient populations, the following adverse events were reported.
Symptoms consistent with an anaphylactoid or asthmatic process have been rarely
(incidence rate of about 0.002%) reported. Rash, urticaria, and photosensitivity
reactions have also been reported.
Localized reactions including induration and abscess have been reported at
the site of injection.
Symptoms consistent with fibromyalgia (eg, joint and muscle pain, headaches,
sleep disorders, gastrointestinal distress, and shortness of breath) have been
reported individually and collectively.
Cardiovascular System- Hypotension, Myocardial infarction,
Pulmonary embolism;
Hemic and Lymphatic System - Decreased WBC;
Central/Peripheral Nervous System - Peripheral neuropathy, Spinal
fracture/paralysis;
Endocrine System - Diabetes;
Musculoskeletal System - Tenosynovitis-like symptoms;
Urogenital System -Prostate pain.
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. In a clinical trial, 25 men with
prostate cancer, 12 of whom had been treated previously with leuprolide acetate
for at least six months, underwent bone density studies as a result of pain.
The leuprolide-treated group had lower bone density scores than the nontreated
control group. It can be anticipated that long periods of medical castration
in men will have effects on bone density.
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 other LUPRON DEPOT and LUPRON Injection package inserts for other events
reported in women and pediatric populations.