Lucrin Depot

For treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and premature puberty

Leuprorelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue. Following an initial stimulation of gonadotrophins, continuous admin of Leuprorelin leads to down regulation of GnRH receptors and subsequently reduces pituitary gonadotrophin secretion. Reduced gonadotrophin levels lead to inhibition of sex hormone (testosterone and oestrogen) production. Within 2-4 wk after treatment initiation, testosterone levels in male may be reduced to below castrate threshold.

Treatment of precocious puberty: General pain, headache, acne, rash, seborrhoea, emotional lability, vaginitis, vaginal bleeding vaginal discharge

Treatment of prostate cancer: Transient worsening of signs and symptoms (usually increase in bone pain), ECG changes, high blood pressure, peripheral oedema, anorexia, constipation, nausea, vomiting, anaemia, myalgia, dizziness, general pain, headache, insomnia or sleep disorder, sinus congestion, urinary frequency/urgency, haematuria, UTI, asthaenia, physiological effects of decreased testosterone (e.g. gynaecomastia, breast tenderness, decreased testicular size, hot flashes, impotence).

Treatment of endometriosis and uterine fibroids treatment: General pain, headache, asthaenia, nausea, vomiting, oedema, weight changes, acne, hirsutism, dizziness, insomnia, sleep disturbance, paraesthesias, skin reactions, effects of hypoestrogenism such as hot flashes, joint disorder, myalgia, decreased libido, depression, emotional lability, nervousness, breast tenderness, vaginitis.

Category X: Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated foetal abnormalities or there is evidence of foetal risk based on human experience or both, and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.

Vary inj site periodically. May cause transient elevation of testosterone levels during the first 1-2 wk, which may lead to worsening or onset of new symptoms (e.g. bone pain, neuropathy, haematuria) in prostate cancer patients. Ureteral obstruction and spinal cord compression have been reported; closely monitor patients with urinary obstruction and/or metastatic vertebral lesion. Leuprorelin is associated with increased risk of diabetes and certain CV diseases (heart attack, sudden cardiac death, stroke) when used in men for treatment of prostate cancer. For prostate cancer, monitor response by testosterone and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. For precocious puberty in children, monitor response by GnRH stimulation test sex steroid levels 1-2 month after treatment initiation. Leuprorelin usually inhibits ovulation and stops menstruation in women, but does not incur contraception, non-hormonal contraception should be used as pregnancy is contraindicated. May cause adverse reactions associated with hypoestrogenism and loss in bone density.

Drugs acting on the Uterus, Drugs affecting (inhibiting) gonadotrophin