This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Camcevi; Eligard; Fensolvi (6 Month); Lupron Depot (1-Month); Lupron Depot (3-Month); Lupron Depot (4-Month); Lupron Depot (6-Month); Lupron Depot-Ped (1-Month); Lupron Depot-Ped (3-Month); Lupron Depot-Ped (6-Month)
Brand Names: Canada
Eligard; Lupron Depot; Lupron Depot (1-Month); Lupron Depot (3-Month); Lupron Depot 3 Month Kit; Lupron [DSC]; Zeulide Depot
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to delay puberty in children who are maturing too early.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
If your child is pregnant:
- Do not give this drug to your child during pregnancy.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your child’s health care providers and lab workers that your child takes this drug.
- This drug may raise some hormone levels in your child’s body during the first few weeks of taking it. Puberty signs like vaginal bleeding or spotting may happen or get worse before getting better. Tell the doctor if your child has any new signs or if your child still has puberty signs after 2 months of care.
- This drug may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
- If your child is of childbearing age, a pregnancy test will need to be done before starting this drug to make sure your child is not pregnant.
- This drug may affect fertility during treatment. Fertility problems may lead to not being able to have a child. This effect goes back to normal when the drug is stopped. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
If your child is or may be sexually active:
- If your child is using birth control, be sure your child uses a non-hormone type of birth control like condoms to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if your child takes it during pregnancy. If your child is pregnant or gets pregnant while taking this drug, call the doctor right away.
- Tell the doctor if your child is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about any risks to the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Fever.
- Seizures.
- Swelling or numbness in the arms or legs.
- Vaginal bleeding that is not normal.
- Vaginal itching or discharge.
- Very bad bone pain.
- Chest pain.
- A very bad pituitary gland problem (pituitary apoplexy) has rarely happened with this drug. Most of the time, this has happened within 2 weeks after the first dose. Call the doctor right away if your child has a sudden headache, throwing up, passing out, mood changes, eye weakness, not able to move eyes, or change in eyesight.
- Behavior and mood changes have happened with the use of drugs like this one in children. This includes acting aggressive, crying, depression, emotional ups and downs, restlessness, feeling angry and irritable, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has any new or worse behavior or mood changes.
- Raised pressure in the brain has happened in children using drugs like this one. Call the doctor right away if your child has a headache; eyesight problems like blurred eyesight, seeing double, or loss of eyesight; pain behind the eye; pain when moving the eye; ringing in the ears; dizziness; or very upset stomach.
- A severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause severe health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if your child has signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Irritation where the shot is given.
- Headache.
- Hot flashes.
- Sweating a lot.
- Pimples (acne).
- Weight gain.
- Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up.
- Signs of a common cold.
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Cough.
- Pain in arms or legs.
- Back pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
Lupron Depot-Ped and Fensolvi:
- It is given as a shot.
Leuprolide acetate 5 mg/mL solution:
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh or the belly area.
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
- If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Caregivers need to wear gloves when giving this drug.
- Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- Do not use if solution changes color.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
Lupron Depot-Ped and Fensolvi:
- Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.
Leuprolide acetate 5 mg/mL solution:
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it on the same day your child missed the dose.
- If it is the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
- Do not give 2 doses on the same day.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Lupron Depot-Ped and Fensolvi:
- If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Leuprolide acetate 5 mg/mL solution:
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Store in the original container to protect from light.
All products:
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2023-11-21
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