Eligard 22.5 mg contains leuprolide acetate, a medication used to manage hormone-sensitive conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. This injectable treatment is commonly used for patients with advanced prostate cancer and works by lowering certain hormone levels in the body to slow the growth of cancer cells. Eligard is administered as a depot injection, meaning it slowly releases the medication into the body over a set period, typically every three months.

Mechanism of Action

Leuprolide acetate acts on the pituitary gland, which is responsible for regulating hormone production. Initially, it temporarily increases the levels of certain hormones such as testosterone. However, with continued use, it significantly reduces these hormone levels. For prostate cancer patients, this reduction in testosterone limits the fuel that prostate cancer cells need to grow and spread. This process is often referred to as chemical castration, achieved without surgical procedures.

Uses

Eligard 22.5 mg is primarily prescribed for:

• Advanced prostate cancer to slow or halt disease progression by reducing testosterone

• It may also be used off-label for conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids in female patients, though other doses and regimens are more commonly used for those conditions

  Adverse Effects

  Common Side Effects

  • Hot flashes and sweating

  • Fatigue and tiredness

  • Injection site discomfort or redness

  • Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction

  • Emotional changes or mood swings