ELIGARD 45 mg Powder for Solution for Injection

Eligard 45 mg is a long-acting prescription medication specifically formulated for the palliative treatment of advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer. This innovative therapy provides a sustained release of its active ingredient, leuprorelin acetate, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, designed to suppress testosterone production effectively.

Product Details

Eligard 45 mg works by continuously releasing leuprorelin acetate into the body, which initially causes a brief surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, followed by a significant and sustained down-regulation of GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland. This action leads to a profound reduction in serum testosterone levels, comparable to surgical castration, which is crucial in managing prostate cancer that relies on testosterone for growth.

The product comes as a powder and solvent for solution for injection, intended for subcutaneous administration, providing a convenient and extended treatment option over a six-month period.

Benefits of Use

• Effective suppression of testosterone, a key hormone driving prostate cancer growth.
• Helps manage symptoms associated with advanced prostate cancer.
• Slows the progression of hormone-dependent prostate cancer.
• Convenient six-month dosing schedule, reducing the frequency of injections.
• Administered by healthcare professionals, ensuring proper technique and patient safety.

How to Use

1. Eligard 45 mg must be prepared and administered by a healthcare professional.
2. The powder and solvent are mixed immediately prior to injection, forming a viscous solution.
3. The injection is administered subcutaneously, typically in the abdominal area.
4. The recommended dosing schedule is one injection every six months.
5. Adhere strictly to the administration guidelines provided by your physician and the product's prescribing information.

Caution & Warnings

• Patients may experience an initial temporary increase in testosterone levels (testosterone flare) during the first few weeks of treatment, which can lead to a temporary worsening of symptoms.
• Monitor for potential cardiovascular events, as GnRH agonists may increase the risk of certain cardiovascular conditions.
• Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended, as GnRH agonists can increase the risk of developing diabetes or worsening existing diabetes.
• Long-term use may lead to a decrease in bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Not indicated for use in women or children.
• Must be administered under strict medical supervision and only as prescribed by a qualified physician.
• Do not use if you are allergic to leuprorelin acetate, other GnRH agonists, or any of the excipients.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Leuprorelin acetate 45 mg (equivalent to leuprorelin).
Excipients: The powder typically contains poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) and the solvent contains N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Refer to the official package insert for a complete list of excipients.