lupron depot

Important safety information

Tumor Flare: Increased serum testosterone (~ 50% above baseline) may occur when initiating treatment with LUPRON DEPOT. Monitor for worsening of prostate cancer symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment. Monitor patients for increased bone pain, neuropathy, hematuria, ureteral obstruction, and spinal cord compression. Spinal cord compressions may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications. ( 5.1 ) Metabolic Syndrome: The use of GnRH agonists may lead to an increased risk of metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Monitor for signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome including lipids, blood glucose level and/or HbA1c and manage according to current treatment guidelines. ( 5.2 ) Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased risk of myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death and stroke has been reported in association with use of GnRH analogs in men. Monitor for cardiovascular disease and manage according to institutional guidelines. ( 5.3 ) Effect on QT/QTc Interval: Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT interval. Consider risks and benefits. ( 5.4 ) Convulsions have been observed in patients with or without a history of predisposing factors. Manage convulsions according to institutional guidelines. ( 5.5 ) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), occurred in patients treated with LUPRON DEPOT. Interrupt LUPRON DEPOT if signs or symptoms of SCARs develop. Permanently discontinue if SCARs are confirmed. ( 5.6 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: LUPRON DEPOT may cause fetal harm. ( 5.8 , 8.1 ) 5.1 Tumor Flare Initially, LUPRON DEPOT, like other GnRH agonists, causes increases in serum levels of testosterone to approximately 50% above baseline during the first weeks of treatment. Patients may experience worsening of symptoms or onset of new signs and symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment, including bone pain, neuropathy, hematuria, or bladder outlet obstruction. Spinal cord compression may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications. Monitor patients for tumor flare symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment with LUPRON DEPOT. Closely monitor patients with metastatic vertebral lesions and/or with urinary tract obstruction for new or worsening symptoms. 5.2 Metabolic Syndrome The use of GnRH agonists may lead to metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, including cirrhosis, occurred in the post-marketing setting. Hyperglycemia may represent new-onset diabetes mellitus or worsening of glycemic control in patients with pre-existing diabetes. Monitor for changes in serum lipids, blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients receiving a GnRH agonist, and manage according to current treatment guidelines. 5.3 Cardiovascular Diseases Increased risk of developing myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death and stroke has been reported in association with use of GnRH agonists in men. The risk appears low based on the reported odds ratios, and should be evaluated carefully along with cardiovascular risk factors when determining a treatment for patients with prostate cancer. Patients receiving a GnRH agonist should be monitored for symptoms and signs suggestive of development of cardiovascular disease and be managed according to institutional guidelines. 5.4 Effect on QT/QTc Interval Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT/QTc interval. Providers should consider whether the benefits of androgen deprivation therapy outweigh the potential risks in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, frequent electrolyte abnormalities, and in patients taking drugs known to prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected. Consider periodic monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes. 5.5 Convulsions Postmarketing reports of convulsions have been observed in patients on leuprolide acetate therapy. These included patients with a history of seizures, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disorders, central nervous system anomalies or tumors, and in patients on concomitant medications that have been associated with convulsions such as bupropion and SSRIs. Convulsions have also been reported in patients in the absence of any of the conditions mentioned above. Patients receiving a GnRH agonist who experience convulsion should be managed according to institutional guidelines. 5.6 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), occurred in patients receiving LUPRON DEPOT; including cases with visceral involvement and/or requiring skin grafts [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.5 )] . Monitor patients for the development of SCARs. Advise patients of the signs and symptoms of SCARs (e.g., a prodrome of fever, flu-like symptoms, mucosal lesions, progressive skin rash, or lymphadenopathy). If a SCAR is suspected, interrupt LUPRON DEPOT until the etiology of the reaction has been determined. Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. If a SCAR is confirmed, or for other grade 4 skin reactions, permanently discontinue LUPRON DEPOT. 5. 7 Laboratory Tests Monitor serum levels of testosterone following injection of LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration, 22.5 mg for 3-month administration, 30 mg for 4-month administration, or 45 mg for 6-month administration. In the majority of patients, testosterone levels increased above baseline, and then declined thereafter to castrate levels (< 50 ng/dL) within four weeks. [see Clinical Studies ( 14 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) ] . 5. 8 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings in animal studies, LUPRON DEPOT may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies, administration of the monthly formulation of leuprolide acetate on day 6 of pregnancy (sustained exposure was expected throughout the period of organogenesis) caused adverse embryo-fetal toxicity in animals at doses less than the human dose, based on body surface area, using an estimated daily dose. Advise pregnant patients and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] .