Eligard (Leuprolide acetate)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

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Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Eligard is a medication formulated as a sterile polymeric matrix that delivers Leuprolide Acetate, a manufactured hormone similar to the natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It works as a GnRH agonist, effectively decreasing the production of testosterone in men. Doctors mainly prescribe this drug for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The drug operates over extended periods, providing a sustained release of the medication over one, three, four, or six months, depending on the dosage administered.

Directions

Eligard is administered as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it's injected under the skin. Patients may receive doses once every month or at intervals of three, four, or six months, depending on their specific treatment plan. It's crucial to follow the prescribed dosing schedule without deviation. The drug comes in various strengths, tailored to the frequency of dosing.

Ingredients

Eligard injections contain Leuprolide Acetate as its active ingredient.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication in patients with a known hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonists, or any components of Eligard.

Cautions

  • Prior to using Eligard, ensure you provide your healthcare provider with the following details:
    • Existing medical conditions
    • Any allergic reactions
    • A list of medications you currently use
    • Your status regarding pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • When you first start using Eligard, your testosterone levels may temporarily rise. This can worsen symptoms like bone pain or urinary problems in the first few weeks.
  • Eligard can cause complications such as spinal cord compression or severe problems with kidney function in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Close monitoring is crucial at the start of therapy.
  • Your doctor will monitor your treatment's effectiveness through blood tests measuring testosterone and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Ideally, testosterone should drop to very low levels within a few weeks.
  • Eligard can increase blood sugar levels, posing a risk for diabetes or complicating existing diabetes. Regular blood sugar monitoring is recommended.
  • There's a slight increase in the risk for heart-related issues, including heart attacks and strokes, while using Eligard. Monitoring for heart health symptoms is important.
  • Because Eligard can affect heart rhythms, especially in patients with heart conditions or those on certain medications, keeping an eye on electrolytes and heart function may be necessary.
  • There have been reports of seizures in patients using Eligard, even without a prior history of seizures. Be alert to this risk, especially if using other medications known to affect seizure threshold.
  • Eligard can cause harm to a fetus and should not be used by pregnant women. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment.

Side Effects

The most common Eligard side effects include hot flashes, sweating, and discomfort at the injection site, such as mild pain and redness. Patients may also experience fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea.

More significant concerns include cardiovascular problems like increased blood pressure and risks of heart attack or stroke. Eligard can also reduce bone density over time, potentially leading to osteoporosis. Neurological risks include convulsions and rare cases of pituitary apoplexy, which can cause sudden severe headaches, vision changes, and collapse shortly after administration. Mood changes, libido alterations, and urinary issues are also possible. Immediate medical help should be sought for severe reactions, and regular consultations with a healthcare provider are advised to manage side effects.

References:

  1. Eligard (Leuprolide acetate) Product Monograph. Fort Collins, CO: Tolmar; 2024.
  2. Eligard (Leuprolide acetate) Drug Label Information. Fort Collins, CO: Tolmar; 2024.



IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

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