In the majority of patients testosterone levels increased above baseline during the first week, declining thereafter to baseline levels or below by the end of the second week of treatment. This transient increase was occasionally associated with a temporary worsening of signs and symptoms, usually manifested by an increase in bone pain (see WARNINGSsection). Cases of temporary worsening of existing hematuria and urinary tract obstruction have occurred during the first week. Temporary weakness and paresthesia of the lower limbs have been reported.
Potential exacerbations of signs and symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment is a concern in patients with vertebral metastases and/or urinary obstruction which, if aggravated, may lead to neurological problems or increase the obstruction.
In a comparative trial of leuprolide acetate injection versus DES, in 5% or more of the patients receiving either drug, the following adverse reactions were reported to have a possible or probable relationship to drug as ascribed by the treating physician. Often, causality is difficult to assess in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Reactions considered not drug related are excluded.
| Leuprolide Acetate Injection (N=98)
| DES
(N=101)
|
| Number of Reports
|
Cardiovascular System
| | |
Congestive heart failure
| 1
| 5
|
ECG changes/ischemia
| 19
| 22
|
High blood pressure
| 8
| 5
|
Murmur
| 3
| 8
|
Peripheral edema
| 12
| 30
|
Phlebitis/thrombosis
| 2
| 10
|
Gastrointestinal System
| | |
Anorexia
| 6
| 5
|
Constipation
| 7
| 9
|
Nausea/vomiting
| 5
| 17
|
Endocrine System
| | |
*Decreased testicular size
| 7
| 11
|
*Gynecomastia/breast tenderness or pain
| 7
| 63
|
*Hot flashes
| 55
| 12
|
*Impotence
| 4
| 12
|
Hemic and Lymphatic System
| | |
Anemia
| 5
| 5
|
Musculoskeletal System
| | |
Bone pain
| 5
| 2
|
Myalgia
| 3
| 9
|
Central/Peripheral Nervous System
| | |
Dizziness/lightheadedness
| 5
| 7
|
General pain
| 13
| 13
|
Headache
| 7
| 4
|
Insomnia/sleep disorders
| 7
| 5
|
Respiratory System
| | |
Dyspnea
| 2
| 8
|
Sinus congestion
| 5
| 6
|
Integumentary System
| | |
Dermatitis
| 5
| 8
|
Urogenital System
| | |
Frequency/urgency
| 6
| 8
|
Hematuria
| 6
| 4
|
Urinary tract infection
| 3
| 7
|
Miscellaneous
| | |
Asthenia
| 10
| 10
|
* Physiologic effect of decreased testosterone.
|
In this same study, the following adverse reactions were reported in less than 5% of the patients on leuprolide acetate injection.
Cardiovascular System - Angina, Cardiac arrhythmias, Myocardial infarction, Pulmonary emboli
Gastrointestinal System - Diarrhea, Dysphagia, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Gastrointestinal disturbance, Peptic ulcer, Rectal polyps
Endocrine System - Libido decrease, Thyroid enlargement
Musculoskeletal System - Joint pain
Central/Peripheral Nervous System - Anxiety, Blurred vision, Lethargy, Memory disorder, Mood swings, Nervousness, Numbness, Paresthesia, Peripheral neuropathy, Syncope/blackouts, Taste disorders
Respiratory System - Cough, Pleural rub, Pneumonia, Pulmonary fibrosis
Integumentary System - Carcinoma of skin/ear, Dry skin, Ecchymosis, Hair loss, Itching, Local skin reactions, Pigmentation, Skin lesions
Urogenital System - Bladder spasms, Dysuria, Incontinence, Testicular pain, Urinary obstruction
Miscellaneous - Depression, Diabetes, Fatigue, Fever/chills, Hypoglycemia, Increased BUN, Increased calcium, Increased creatinine, Infection/inflammation, Ophthalmologic disorders, Swelling (temporal bone).
In an additional clinical trial and from long-term observation of both studies, the following additional adverse reactions were reported for patients receiving leuprolide acetate injection.
Cardiovascular System - Bradycardia, Carotid bruit, Extrasystole, Palpitations, Perivascular cuffing (eyes), Ruptured aortic aneurysm, Stroke, Tachycardia, Transient ischemic attack
Gastrointestinal System - Flatus, Dryness of mouth and throat, Hepatitis, Hepatomegaly, Occult blood (rectal exam), Rectal fistula/erythema
Endocrine System - Libido increase, Thyroid nodule
Musculoskeletal System - Ankylosing spondylosis, Arthritis, Blurred disc margins, Bone fracture, Muscle stiffness, Muscle tenderness, Pelvic fibrosis, Spasms/cramps
Central/Peripheral Nervous System - Auditory hallucinations/tinnitus, Decreased hearing, Decreased reflexes, Euphoria, Hyperreflexia, Loss of smell, Motor deficiency
Respiratory System - Chest tightness, Decreased breathing sounds, Hemoptysis, Pleuritic chest pain, Pulmonary infiltrate, Rales/rhonchi, Rhinitis, Strep throat, Wheezing/bronchitis
Integumentary System - Boil (pubic), Bruises, Hives, Keratosis, Mole, Shingles, Spiders
Urogenital System - Blisters on penis, Inguinal hernia, Penile swelling, Post void residual, Prostatic pain, Pyuria
Miscellaneous - Abdominal distention, Facial swelling/edema, Feet burning, Flu, Eyelid growth, Hypoproteinemia, Accidental injury, Knee effusion, Mass, Pallid, Sallow, Weakness.