Life After the Lupron Depot Shot

Lupron Depot is a brand name of the generic drug leuprolide. Lupron Depot is used to treat prostate cancer, states Drugs.com. Most patients receive Lupron Depot as a monthly injection given by a doctor or health care professional.

Side Effects

• Side effects of Lupron Depot include decreased sex drive, swelling at the injection site, gastrointestinal difficulties like vomiting, hot flashes, breast tenderness, impotence, paralysis, urinary changes, muscle weakness, blood in urine, severe headaches and numbness. Allergic reactions, noted by facial swelling, trouble breathing, or hives, are also possible.

Consequences

• Medline Plus warns that there have been reports of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in men who take this drug. It is recommended that patients using this drug be monitored for these conditions while on the drug. Other tests often performed include prostate-specific antigen, bone density and blood testosterone level tests.

Considerations

• There is a chance that Lupron Depot may affect medical tests, such as blood tests. This is because the drug decreases hormones that prostate cancer needs in order to grow. Always let the lab technician know you are taking Lupron Depot when having tests done.