Eligard (leuprolide acetate) is a prescription medication used to treat advanced prostate cancer in adults. Eligard can produce side effects that range from mild to severe. Common examples include tiredness, weight gain, and hot flashes.
The active compound in Eligard is leuprolide acetate. The medication is supplied as a powder that’s reconstituted with a liquid to create an injectable solution administered under the skin.
Continue reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects associated with Eligard. For a general summary of the medication, including its indications, see this article.
What are the more common side effects of Eligard?
People taking Eligard may experience side effects ranging from mild to serious. Examples of the medication’s commonly reported side effects include:
- fatigue
- malaise (a general sense of unwellness)
- hot flashes
- testicular atrophy (reduction in testicle size)
What are the mild side effects of Eligard?
Mild side effects have been reported with Eligard. These may include:
- injection site reactions*
- weight gain
- dizziness
- reduced libido
- joint discomfort
- more frequent urination
- tiredness
- malaise
- hot flashes
In many instances, these side effects are temporary and may be manageable. If symptoms persist or become troublesome, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not discontinue Eligard unless advised by your healthcare provider.
Eligard can cause additional mild side effects beyond those above. See the drug’s prescribing information for more details.
* For more on this effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
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What are the serious side effects of Eligard?
Serious adverse effects have been reported with Eligard. These include:
- tumor flare (a sudden worsening of cancer symptoms)
- abnormal heart rhythms
- bone density loss
- hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar)*
- increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart attack
- bleeding of the pituitary gland
- erectile dysfunction
- reduction in testicle size
- seizures
If you experience serious side effects while on Eligard, contact your doctor promptly. If symptoms appear life-threatening or you suspect a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
* For more on this effect, see the “side effects explained” section below.
Note:After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a medication, it monitors and reviews reported side effects. To report a side effect you’ve experienced with Eligard, visitMedWatch.
Allergic reactionEligard can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, though the exact frequency in clinical trials is not clear. Allergic symptoms can range from mild to severe. You can find more about potential signs of an allergic reaction in this article.
What might help: If you notice mild allergic symptoms, such as a minor rash, call your doctor. They may recommend treatment to manage symptoms and decide whether to continue Eligard. If you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, like swelling or breathing difficulty, call 911 or your local emergency number right away, as these can be life-threatening and require urgent care. If a serious allergic reaction to Eligard is confirmed, your clinician may switch you to an alternative therapy.
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FAQ about Eligard’s side effects
Find answers to common questions about Eligard’s side effects.
When do Eligard’s side effects begin? Will they resolve?
It varies. Some effects may occur quickly, such as injection site reactions and dizziness. Other effects, like bone loss, may develop more gradually. This differs between individuals.
The timing, frequency, and severity of side effects also vary. Discuss any persistent or bothersome symptoms with your doctor.
Does Eligard interact with alcohol?
There are no known direct interactions between Eligard and alcohol. However, both Eligard and alcohol can produce similar symptoms, such as dizziness and fatigue, so these effects might be more pronounced if you drink while on Eligard.
If you have concerns about drinking alcohol during treatment with this drug, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Eligard cause long-term side effects?
Yes, it’s possible. Long-term side effects are those that may begin at any point during treatment or persist after stopping the drug. An example reported in Eligard studies is elevated blood sugar, which can progress to diabetes, and bone loss.
Talk with your healthcare provider to learn about potential long-term effects of Eligard and how long they may last.
Side effects explained
More detail on some side effects that may occur with Eligard.
Injection site reactions
Injection site reactions were frequently reported in clinical studies of Eligard. Symptoms at the injection site may include:
- burning or stinging
- bruising
- pain
- itching
What might help
If you experience these symptoms during or after an Eligard injection, discuss them with your doctor. They can suggest measures to reduce the risk of recurrence and may rotate injection sites so the same spot isn’t used consecutively.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
High blood sugar was observed as a serious adverse event in Eligard trials. Symptoms of elevated blood glucose may include:
- blurred vision
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- increased appetite
- fatigue
What might help
Before beginning Eligard, review your medical history with your doctor to determine whether this therapy is appropriate. If Eligard is prescribed, your doctor will likely order regular blood sugar monitoring during treatment. Inform them promptly if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Keeping track of side effectsWhile on Eligard, consider keeping a record of any side effects you experience so you can discuss them with your doctor. This is particularly useful when starting a new medication or combination of therapies.
Your notes can include items such as:
- the dose you were taking when the side effect occurred
- how soon the symptom appeared after that dose
- a description of the symptoms
- how the symptoms affected daily life
- other medications you were taking
- any other relevant details
Sharing this information helps your doctor understand how Eligard is affecting you and can guide adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.
Warnings for Eligard
Eligard can cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is a type of drug-condition interaction. Other factors may influence whether this medication is an appropriate option for you. Discuss your full medical history with your doctor before starting Eligard. Be sure to mention if any of the following apply to you:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- arrhythmias (heart rhythm problems)
- prior allergic reaction to Eligard
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- alcohol use
Disclaimer: HealthEH has taken care to ensure the information presented is accurate, complete, and current. However, this article should not replace the professional judgment of a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your physician or another qualified health professional before starting any medication. Drug information can change and may not list every possible use, direction, precaution, warning, interaction, allergic reaction, or adverse effect. The absence of warnings or other information does not mean a drug is safe, effective, or suitable for all patients or uses.
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