Leuprolide Acetate

Generic Name: leuprolide acetate

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Leuprolide Acetate

DESCRIPTION Leuprolide acetate, USP is a synthetic nonapeptide analog of naturally occurring gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH or LH-RH). 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: Leuprolide Acetate Injection is a sterile, aqueous solution intended for subcutaneous injection.

Overview

DESCRIPTION Leuprolide acetate, USP is a synthetic nonapeptide analog of naturally occurring gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH or LH-RH). 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: Leuprolide Acetate Injection is a sterile, aqueous solution intended for subcutaneous injection.

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Leuprolide acetate injection is indicated in the palliative treatment of advanced prostatic cancer.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose is 1 mg (0.2 mL or 20 unit mark) administered as a single daily subcutaneous injection. As with other drugs administered chronically by subcutaneous injection, the injection site should be varied periodically. Each 0.2 mL contains 1 mg of leuprolide acetate, USP, sodium chloride, USP for tonicity adjustment, 1.8 mg of benzyl alcohol, NF as preservative and water for injection, USP. The pH may have been adjusted with sodium hydroxide, NF and/or Glacial acetic acid, USP. Follow the pictorial directions on the reverse side of this package insert for administration. NOTE: As with all parenteral products, inspect the solution for discoloration and particulate matter before each use.

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS 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. This transient increase was occasionally associated with a temporary worsening of signs and symptoms, usually manifested by an increase in bone pain (see WARNINGS section). Cases of temporary worsening of existing hematuria and urinary tract obstruction have occurred during the first week. Temporary weakness and paresthesia of the lower limbs have been reported.

Interactions

Drug Interactions See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics section. Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Administration of leuprolide acetate in therapeutic doses results in suppression of the pituitary-gonadal system. Normal function is usually restored within 4 to 12 weeks after treatment is discontinued. 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).

Warnings

WARNINGS Initially, leuprolide acetate injection, like other LH-RH agonists, causes increases in serum levels of testosterone. Transient worsening of symptoms, or the occurrence of additional signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, may develop during the first few weeks of leuprolide acetate injection treatment. Patients may experience a temporary increase in bone pain, which can be managed symptomatically. As with other LH-RH agonists, ureteral obstruction and spinal cord compression have been observed, which may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications. Safe use of leuprolide acetate in pregnancy has not been established clinically. Leuprolide acetate injection may cause fetal harm. CONTRAINDICATIONS Leuprolide acetate injection is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to GnRH, GnRH agonist analogs or any of the excipients in leuprolide acetate injection: Reports of anaphylactic reactions to GnRH agonist analogs have been reported in the medical literature.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animal studies and mechanism of action, leuprolide acetate injection may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk.

Storage

HOW SUPPLIED Leuprolide Acetate Injection is a sterile solution supplied in a 2.8 mL multiple-dose vial. The vial is packaged as follows: 14 Day Patient Administration Kit with 14 disposable syringes and 28 alcohol swabs, NDC 70710-1769-3. Store below 77°F (25°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light; store vial in carton until use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leuprolide Acetate used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Leuprolide acetate injection is indicated in the palliative treatment of advanced prostatic cancer.

What are the side effects of Leuprolide Acetate?

ADVERSE REACTIONS 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. This transient increase was occasionally associated with a temporary worsening of signs and symptoms, usually manifested by an increase in bone pain (see WARNINGS section). Cases of temporary worsening of existing hematuria and urinary tract obstruction have occurred during the first week. Temporary weakness and paresthesia of the lower limbs have been reported.

Can I take Leuprolide Acetate during pregnancy?

Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animal studies and mechanism of action, leuprolide acetate injection may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk.

What are the important warnings for Leuprolide Acetate?

WARNINGS Initially, leuprolide acetate injection, like other LH-RH agonists, causes increases in serum levels of testosterone. Transient worsening of symptoms, or the occurrence of additional signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, may develop during the first few weeks of leuprolide acetate injection treatment. Patients may experience a temporary increase in bone pain, which can be managed symptomatically. As with other LH-RH agonists, ureteral obstruction and spinal cord compression have been observed, which may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications. Safe use of leuprolide acetate in pregnancy has not been established clinically. Leuprolide acetate injection may cause fetal harm. CONTRAINDICATIONS Leuprolide acetate injection is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to GnRH, GnRH agonist analogs or any of the excipients in leuprolide acetate injection: Reports of anaphylactic reactions to GnRH agonist analogs have been reported in the medical literature.

Related Medications

Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.