Prostap (leuprorelin) is used to treat prostate cancer in men and endometriosis and uterine fibroids in women.

Why have I been prescribed Prostap?

Prostap (leuprorelin) is used to treat prostate cancer in men and endometriosis and uterine fibroids in women.

How does it work?

Prostap is used to reduce the levels of testosterone and oestrogen circulating in the body.

When and how do I take it?

  • The doctor or nurse will give you an injection of Prostap.
  • The injection will normally be given in your arm, thigh or abdomen.
  • The injection site should be varied at regular intervals.

What’s the dose?

  • You will normally be given an injection once every 3 months if you are getting Prostap 3.
  • If you are getting Prostap SR you will receive it once a month.
  • As soon as you realise you have missed an injection, contact your doctor who will be able to give you your next injection.

Could it interact with other tablets?

There are no known interactions between Prostap and other medications however tell your doctor if you are taking medications to treat epilepsy, or have been taking steroids such as hydrocortisone or prednisolone for a long time.

If you develop:

  • a severe rash
  • itching
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

speak to your doctor immediately.

What are the possible risks or side effects?

As with all medicines, as well as helping with your illness, Prostap can cause unwanted effects (side effects). If you develop any side effects that bother you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Prostap can sometimes cause:

  • swelling in your ankles
  • tiredness
  • nausea or headaches
  • a severe headache which if does not get better when you take painkillers you should speak to your doctor
  • pain in the joints
  • fever or chills
  • dizziness
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhoea
  • pounding heartbeats
  • tingling in the hands or feet
  • muscle aching or weakness
  • altered vision
  • changes in weight
  • increase in blood pressure
  • difficulty sleeping

Sometimes Prostap causes redness or discomfort at the place where the injection is given.

Information for men:

  • When men with prostate cancer first begin treatment with Prostap, levels of testosterone can increase and in some people this can cause a temporary increase in local pain.

Information for women:

  • In women Prostap may cause hot flushes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and spotting/breakthrough bleeding may occur. It may cause a change in breast size or breast tenderness and can occasionally cause hair loss. As can happen naturally when women reach the menopause, Prostap can cause a small amount of bone thinning.
  • In some women with fibroids, Prostap may cause bleeding or pain when the fibroids break down. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or unusual bleeding or pain.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

  • There are no known interactions between alcohol and Prostap.
  • Always ask your pharmacist or doctor however as this may depend on what other tablets you are taking.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Prostap cannot be used during pregnancy or while breast feeding.


If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note:
We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/National/Macmillan%20Cancer%20Support/assets/Leuprorelinacetate(Prostap-SR,Prostap-3)(CB).pdf

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/cancer/a7414/prostap-sr-leuprorelin/

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/24679

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/leuprorelin

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Hormonaltherapies/Individualhormonaltherapies/Leuprorelin.aspx


 

Health Reference: Prostate Cancer