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Patient Counseling

Patient Counseling

Patient counseling information regarding ELIGARD

Hypersensitivity

Inform patients that if they have experienced hypersensitivity with other GnRH agonist drugs like ELIGARD®, ELIGARD is contraindicated [see Contraindications].

Tumor flare

Inform patients that ELIGARD can cause tumor flare during the first weeks of treatment. Inform patients that the increase in testosterone can cause an increase in urinary symptoms or pain. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if ureteral obstruction, spinal cord compression, paralysis, or new or worsened symptoms occur after beginning ELIGARD treatment [see Warnings and Precautions].

Hyperglycemia and diabetes

Advise patients that there is an increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes with ELIGARD therapy. Inform patients that periodic monitoring for hyperglycemia and diabetes is required when being treated with ELIGARD [see Warnings and Precautions].

Cardiovascular disease

Inform patients that there is an increased risk of myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and stroke with ELIGARD treatment. Advise patients to immediately report signs and symptoms associated with these events to their healthcare provider for evaluation [see Warnings and Precautions].

Injection site reactions

Inform patients that injection site related adverse reactions may occur such as transient burning/stinging, pain, bruising, and redness. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience rash or severe injection site reactions [see Adverse Reactions].

Urogenital disorders

Advise patients that ELIGARD may cause impotence.

Infertility

Inform patients that ELIGARD may cause infertility [see Specific Populations].

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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ELIGARD®, (leuprolide acetate) for injectable suspension, is indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

ELIGARD is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonists, or any of the components of ELIGARD. Anaphylactic reactions to synthetic GnRH or GnRH agonists have been reported in the literature. Transient increase in serum levels of testosterone during treatment may result in worsening of symptoms or onset of new signs and symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment, including bone pain, neuropathy, hematuria, bladder outlet obstruction, ureteral obstruction, or spinal cord compression. Monitor patients at risk closely and manage as appropriate.

Hyperglycemia and an increased risk of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving GnRH agonists. Monitor blood glucose level and manage according to current clinical practice. Increased risk of myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death and stroke has also been reported with use of GnRH agonists in men. Monitor for cardiovascular disease and manage according to current clinical practice. Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT/QTc interval. Consider risks and benefits. May cause fetal harm. Convulsions have been observed in patients taking leuprolide acetate with or without a history of predisposing factors. Manage convulsions according to current clinical practice.

ELIGARD may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential.

The most common injection site adverse events are transient burning and stinging, pain, bruising, and erythema. The most common systemic adverse events include mild to severe hot flashes/sweats, malaise and fatigue, weakness, myalgia, dizziness, clamminess, testicular atrophy, and gynecomastia. As with other GnRH agonists, other adverse reactions, including decreased bone density and rare cases of pituitary apoplexy have been reported.

See package insert for full prescribing and safety information.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ELIGARD and full Prescribing Information for ELIGARD with Pre-connected Syringe System.