Download Leuprolide Acetate

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Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron)
[http://www.lupron.com/]
This medicine, given as a monthly shot, creates a TEMPORARY and REVERSIBLE menopause in women
NOT already past menopause. Menopause is marked by a very LOW ESTROGEN level. “Turning down”
the estrogen is necessary for your current gynecologic “situation.” There are some things you should know
and understand about the medication and its effects and side effects.
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This medication is VERY expensive. Paying cash would cost approximately $1000 per month.
Your estrogen level may go UP in the first 7 to 10 days after you get the first shot. This means
you pain or bleeding will NOT be “helped” until after 10 days.
Once the first shot “takes effect” the subsequent shots will “keep” the effect.
THREE MONTHS – typical time to shrink fibroids or a uterus in preparation for surgery.
THREE MONTHS – typical time to improve you blood count prior to surgery.
THREE MONTHS – typical time to FIND OUT whether your pain is better with the shot.
SIX MONTHS – the typical “maximum” time of use.
This medication is NOT considered contraceptive, so women at risk for pregnancy should use
some form of birth control while on leuprolide. You should NOT use birth control pills while taking
leuprolide.
This medicine does NOT “harm” your fertility. This medicine does not make natural menopause
come any sooner OR later.
Leuprolide should cause “menopausal symptoms.” These symptoms will go away AFTER you stop the
medication. Many women can tolerate the symptoms. Some women find the symptoms TOO
UNCOMFORTABLE to tolerate. For those patients there is an “antidote” to “treat” the symptoms. The
antidote is called “Add Back” therapy, and it is safe and effective to use while taking the leuprolide.
The antidote to the hot flashes is “hormone replacement therapy.” It is a low dose, short term combination
of estrogen and progesterone. I usually prescribe PremPro (0.45/1.5), because it is one pill to take, daily.
When I prescribe leuprolide I also give a prescription for the PremPro. You can fill the PremPro prescription
at any time you find it necessary.
If we decide to use the leuprolide acetate LONGER THAN SIX MONTHS then you MUST take the “add
back” therapy. Leuprolide can thin your bones; estrogen will prevent the bone thinning.
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