Full Answer
How much does a shot of ELIGARD cost?
Eligard prices without insurance will vary depending on where you buy it. As a guide, Eligard subcutaneous powder for injection (7.5 mg/month) usually costs $481. With NiceRx you will pay a flat monthly fee of $49, regardless of the retail price of your medication.
How long can you take ELIGARD for prostate cancer?
You may take Eligard for long-term management of your prostate cancer. Studies of leuprolide acetate, the active drug in Eligard, have shown it to be effective for up to 7 years in people with prostate cancer.
Are effects of ELIGARD permanent?
How long will Eligard work? Studies have shown that continuation of therapy with leuprolide acetate maintains testosterone below castrate levels (<50 ng/dL) for up to seven years.
How long is ELIGARD treatment?
ELIGARD® is administered subcutaneously and provides continuous release of leuprolide acetate over a one-, three-, four-, or six-month treatment period (Table 1).
What happens when hormone treatment for prostate cancer stops working?
Most prostate cancers eventually stop responding to hormone therapy and become castration (or castrate) resistant. That is, they continue to grow even when androgen levels in the body are extremely low or undetectable.
Which is better ELIGARD vs Lupron?
The bottom line. Both Eligard and Lupron Depot can be used for advanced prostate cancer. These two brand-name medications contain the same ingredient — leuprolide. They're similarly effective and carry the same side effects.
What happens if you stop ELIGARD?
If Lupron treatment is stopped, testosterone levels can rise and your cancer may worsen. Do not discontinue Lupron Depot unless your doctor tells you to stop treatment. In men, testosterone is reduced to castrate concentrations with Lupron Depot treatment.
Does ELIGARD cause fatigue?
The most common injection site reactions are transient burning and stinging, pain, bruising, and redness. The most common side effects include hot flashes/sweats, fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, dizziness, clamminess, testicular shrinkage, decreased erections and enlargement of breasts.
Does ELIGARD affect the heart?
Increased risk of heart attack, sudden death due to heart problems and stroke have also been reported in men taking ELIGARD. ELIGARD may also affect electrical activity in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Your doctor will monitor you for heart conditions.
Is ELIGARD covered by Medicare?
Do Medicare prescription drug plans cover Eligard? Yes. 60% of Medicare prescription drug plans cover this drug.
Does ELIGARD cause insomnia?
ELIGARD®, like other GnRH analogs, caused a transient increase in serum testosterone concentrations during the first one to two weeks of treatment....Psychiatric.Body systemAdverse eventPsychiatricInsomnia, depression, loss of libido*11 more rows
Does ELIGARD lower testosterone levels?
ELIGARD works by lowering your testosterone (T) levels.
How does ELIGARD treat prostate cancer?
Eligard® is a hormone therapy that reduces the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. When Eligard® is given regularly to males, it reduces the amount of testosterone produced. Eligard® inhibits the growth of prostate cancers which rely on testosterone to grow.
How often are hormone injections given for prostate cancer?
These medications are injected under your skin or into a muscle monthly, every three months or every six months.
Does ELIGARD lower testosterone levels?
ELIGARD works by lowering your testosterone (T) levels.
Does ELIGARD affect the heart?
Increased risk of heart attack, sudden death due to heart problems and stroke have also been reported in men taking ELIGARD. ELIGARD may also affect electrical activity in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Your doctor will monitor you for heart conditions.
How to report side effects of ELIGARD?
These are not all the possible side effects of ELIGARD. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
What is ELIGARD used for?
ELIGARD® is used for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. ELIGARD is a prescription medication that must be administered by a health care professional. ELIGARD should not be used by anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients in ELIGARD or to any similar drugs.
Does Eligard affect fertility?
ELIGARD may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential.
Can eligard cause heart problems?
ELIGARD may also affect electrical activity in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Your doctor will monitor you for heart conditions.
Does ELIGARD cause diabetes?
Elevated blood sugar and an increased risk of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving ELIGARD. Your doctor will monitor blood sugar levels.
Does Eligard cause prostate cancer?
ELIGARD causes an increase in testosterone during the first few weeks of therapy and some men may experience new or worsening symptoms of prostate cancer e. g., bone pain, urinary symptoms, or nerve problems such as numbness, during this period. If your cancer has spread to the urinary tract or spine, urinary blockage or pressure on the spine that can lead to paralysis may occur. Your doctor will discuss with you the benefits and risks of taking ELIGARD.
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
Leuprolide is a synthetic hormone used in the treatment of prostate cancer in men.
Uses
Other brands and doses of leuprolide have also been used for breast and ovarian cancer, and to suppress early puberty in children.
How To Use
This medication is given as an injection under the skin (SC) and must be used under close medical supervision. Inject this drug into a different area each month. This product slowly releases the medication into the bloodstream and is given at various intervals. The dosing frequency depends on which product was prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects
This medication may cause hot flashes, night sweats; bone, joint or muscle pain; reduced sexual desire or function, mental/mood changes, dizziness, weight gain, inflamed gums, upset stomach, hair loss, trouble swallowing, persistent pain at injection site, acne or difficulty urinating.
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: urinary problems, bone diseases, cancer/lesions of the spine, any allergies you may have. Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving), as this drug may cause dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use including: megestrol, flutamide. Certain lab tests may be affected by this drug. Inform all your healthcare providers you use this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
What is Eligard hotline?
The Eligard Hotline provides reimbursement services to all patients and a Patient Assistance Program which is designed to help the uninsured and people in need better afford their prescription medicines , subject to financial restrictions.
How to apply for a prescription for a patient?
The Patient or physician's office should contact the Hotline to apply on behalf of a patient. An application is sent to the physician's office for completion and signature, in addition to a signed prescription. Upon receipt of completed application, prescription from physician, and approval of application, medication will be shipped directly to the physician's office from the distribution center. The patient is eligible for assistance for 6 months. If additional assistance is requested, a new application must be submitted to the hotline. In circumstances of significant financial need and serious medical hardship, individuals, with the help of their doctor, may appeal from denial of participation in this program.
