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Lupron Side Effects

Generic name: leuprolide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 1, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Lupron Side Effects associated with leuprolide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Lupron.

Applies to leuprolide: emulsion, powder for suspension 1 month, powder for suspension 3 month, powder for suspension 4 month, powder for suspension 6 month, solution.

Serious side effects of Lupron

Along with its needed effects, leuprolide (the active ingredient contained in Lupron) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking leuprolide:

For adults

Less common

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

Rare

  • bone, muscle, or joint pain
  • chest tightness
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular breathing
  • numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes
  • skin rash, hives, or itching
  • sudden, severe decrease in blood pressure and collapse
  • trouble breathing

For males only (adults)

More common

  • arm, back, or jaw pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • blurred vision
  • bone pain
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty with moving
  • dizziness
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • headache
  • increased urge to urinate during the night
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • pain in the arms or legs
  • pain in the joints
  • pale skin
  • pounding in the ears
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • sweating
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • waking to urinate at night

Rare

  • pain in the groin or legs (especially in the calves)

Incidence not known

  • altered mental status
  • anxiety
  • blurred vision
  • burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
  • chest pain
  • cold, clammy, pale skin
  • confusion
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • double vision
  • dry mouth
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • irregular heartbeat
  • loss of consciousness
  • seizures
  • thoughts or attempts at killing oneself
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unsteadiness or awkwardness
  • visual changes
  • weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

For females only (adults)

Rare

  • anxiety
  • deepening of voice
  • increased hair growth
  • mental depression
  • mood changes

For children

More common

  • body aches or pain
  • chest tightness
  • chills
  • cough
  • cough producing mucus
  • difficulty in breathing
  • ear congestion
  • fever
  • headache
  • loss of voice
  • muscle aches
  • noisy breathing
  • pain or redness at the injection site
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

  • irritability
  • mood or mental changes

Rare

  • burning, itching, or swelling at the injection site

Incidence not known

  • blurred vision
  • change in ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
  • nausea and vomiting
  • seizures
  • severe headache

For females only (children)—expected in first few weeks

Rare

  • vaginal bleeding (continuing)
  • white vaginal discharge (continuing)

Other side effects of Lupron

Some side effects of leuprolide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For adults

More common

  • sudden sweating and feeling of warmth (hot flashes)

Less common

  • bleeding, bruising, burning, itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • swelling of the feet or lower legs
  • swelling or increased tenderness of the breasts
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight gain

For females only (adults)

More common

  • light, irregular vaginal bleeding
  • stopping of menstrual periods

Less common

  • burning, dryness, or itching of the vagina
  • pelvic pain

For males only (adults)

More common

  • back pain
  • chills
  • constipation
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • loss of appetite
  • pain or discomfort at the injection site
  • redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • runny nose
  • shivering
  • sore throat
  • unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Less common

  • decreased size of the testicles
  • inability to have or keep an erection

Incidence not known

  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
  • redness or other discoloration of the skin
  • severe sunburn

For children

More common

  • constipation
  • feeling of warmth
  • redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
  • stomach pain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to leuprolide: intramuscular kit, intramuscular powder for injection, intramuscular powder for injection extended release, subcutaneous emulsion, subcutaneous implant, subcutaneous kit, subcutaneous powder for injection extended release, subcutaneous solution.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were hot flashes or sweats, gastrointestinal disorders, hyperhidrosis, edema, emotional lability or depression, respiratory disorder, urinary disorder, nausea or vomiting, injection site reaction, joint disorders, testicular atrophy, asthenia, flu syndrome, headache, skin reaction, fatigue, and pain.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Endocrine

Pituitary apoplexy included sudden headache, vomiting, visual changes, ophthalmoplegia, altered mental status, and sometimes cardiovascular collapse.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Hematologic

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Local

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Ocular

Oncologic

Second primary neoplasms include basal cell carcinoma, bladder transitional cell carcinoma, lung neoplasm, malignant melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.[Ref]

Other

Psychiatric

Renal

Respiratory

Influenza-like illness include influenza, nasal congestion, nasopharyngitis, rhinorrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and viral upper respiratory tract infection.[Ref]

References

1. (2002) "Product Information. Lupron (leuprolide)." TAP Pharmaceuticals Inc

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

4. (2019) "Product Information. Eligard (leuprolide)." sanofi-aventis

5. (2022) "Product Information. Camcevi (leuprolide)." Accord Biopharma Inc

6. (2022) "Product Information. Fensolvi (leuprolide)." Tolmar Pharmaceuticals

7. (2020) "Product Information. Lupron Depot-Gyn (leuprolide)." TAP Pharmaceuticals Inc

8. (2022) "Product Information. Lupron Depot-Ped (leuprolide)." AbbVie US LLC

9. (2006) "Product Information. Viadur (leuprolide)." Bayer Pharmaceutical Inc

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Lupron side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.