Warning: Lupron can cause headaches, pain in the site and several other symptoms. Cancer patients having a history or at risk for heart disease should understand that their risk factors for developing a heart attack are increased. Certain male patients can be at higher risk for developing high blood sugaror diabetes.
Indications: This medication is used to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is not intended to be a cure. Testosterone is a hormone that the body produces. It is needed for cancer to grow, this drug works by slowing or stopping the growth of testosterone in order to slow and stop the growth of cancer.
There are also other known uses for this drug that are not printed on the drugs professional label, so should only be used by prescription. This medication can be used for disorders of the uterus in women, such as fibroids and endometriosis, by slowing or stopping the growth of estrogen. It can also help children with early puberty.
In addition, this medication is used in the treatment of the following medical conditions:
- ovarian cancer
- endometrial cancer
- endometriosis
- infertility
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Dosage:Lupron is given by a healthcare professional, usually once daily, subcutaneously.
In the use of this medication for children the dosage depends on their weight and response to therapy. It is recommended for doctors to stop use of this treatment in the age of 11 for girls and 12 for boys.
If you are instructed to inject this medication yourself, read all instruction and safety warnings before treatment. If the dose is discolored or has particles in it, do not use. Keep using the drug at the same time each day to receive the full benefits of the medication.
Pregnant women should not handle this medication, as it can be inhaled through the lungs and absorbed through the skin.
Storage:The vials or kits of Lupron should be refrigerated at a temperature between 2 ° C and 8 ° C, and protected from light. Do not let the drug at the children reach. After opening, powder and solvent for the solution must be reconstituted and administered immediately. The physicochemical stability of the reconstituted solution last about 30 minutes at 25 ° C.
Overdose:Lupron overdose is very rare, in fact, no cases of misuse or overdose has been reported in clinical practice. However, if overdose occurs, medical attention is very important. In some cases, symptomatic treatment can be recommended.
Missing dose:if for some reasons you forget a dose or cannot be present at the hospital for the treatment, contact your oncologist before the date of the appointment. In fact, this case is rarely reported.
Contraindications: Tell your doctor of all allergies, as you may be allergic to some ingredients in Lupron.
You should tell your doctor and pharmacist of all your medical history, including, heart disease, diabetes, stroke or family history of sudden cardiac death.
This drug may cause osteoporosis if used over a long period of time. Do not use this medication if you have a history of long term alcohol use, smoking, family history of broken bones or if you are taking corticosteroids, prednisone or phenytoin.
This medication may make you dizzy, do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
Pregnant women should not take this medication under any circumstance. If you become pregnant while taking Lupron, tell your doctor immediately.
Mechanism of action (MOA): Your body produces a group of cells called gonadotropes. Located in the pituitary glands (hypophysis), those cells produce the gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH are controlled by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), another hormone produced and controlled by the hypothalamus. Certain cancer cells such as those of prostate and breast cancers need those hormones to survive. Lupron works by inhibiting the secretion of gonadotropes.
Interactions: Your pharmacist and medical professional should already be aware of all the possible interactions this drug may have with the drugs you are taking. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you are taking to avoid any interactions.
Tell your health care provider if you are taking of this list:
- Aspirin
- hasone (Decadron, Dexone)
- methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- Prednisone (Deltasone)
- Lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol);
- Phenothiazine
- Sevelamer (Renagel)
- Cyclosporine (Neoral, Restasis, Sandimmune)
- Diuretics (‘water pills’).
Side effects: Lupron damages cancer cells as well as healthy cell that reproduce rapidly which makes it to cause the following side effects:
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contact your oncologist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
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