An Introduction to Leuprolide Acetate Depot Side Effects
As with any medicine,
leuprolide acetate depot (
Lupron Depot®) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with leuprolide acetate depot. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Serious Side Effects of Leuprolide Acetate Depot
Some leuprolide acetate depot side effects are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include:
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Persistent or extreme bone pain
- Signs of puberty after two months of treatment in children, including menstrual bleeding or spotting in girls
- Irritation at the injection site, such as extreme redness, pain, pus, or bleeding
- Mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, or behavioral problems
- Chest pain (angina)
- Sudden loss of vision, double vision, or blurred vision
- Migraine headaches or sudden, severe headaches
- Fluid retention or swelling
- Signs of a blood clot, such as:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Numbness of an arm or leg
- Signs of a blood clot in the lung, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Tingling, pricking, or numbness of the legs
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds or has bright red blood in it
- Shortness of breath, coughing, or worsening of breathing problems such as asthma
- Bone fracture
- Seizures
- Changes in blood sugar or signs of diabetes, such as:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling of the mouth or throat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
