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MICRODOSE LEUPROLIDE
Description:
Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron®) is related to a naturally occurring hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Leuprolide Acetate has also been used to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids, early puberty, and as part of the process to stimulate multiple eggs for assisted reproductive technologies. The pharmacist according to the physician’s instructions compounds Microdose Leuprolide. Microdose Leuprolide is commonly prepared as the 40mcg/0.1ml or 50mcg/0.1ml. These preparations are a diluted concentration of the prescription Leuprolide Acetate 1mg/0.2ml.
How It Works:
Leuprolide Acetate is administered as a subcutaneous injection using insulin syringes. Insulin syringes are used because the measurement on the syringe is in units (i.e.: 10 units is equivalent to 0.1ml/cc). For the role it plays in assisted reproductive technologies, Leuprolide Acetate is used to reduce the amount of estrogen and testosterone in the body. This decrease in estrogen production will prevent ovulation and may stop menstrual periods.
Potential Side Effects:
Side effects that may occur include: hot flashes or sweating, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, insomnia, headaches, and injection site reaction (redness, itching, swelling at the injection site).
If you experience an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue or face; or hives; seek emergency medical attention immediately. And if at any time you experience bone pain, difficulty urinating, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs contact your physician immediately.
PLEASE NOTE: If these or any other side effects occur, contact your physician.
Storage:
Microdose Leuprolide must be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Microdose Leuprolide has a 30-day expiration date from the day of compounding (the expiration will be marked on the vial).
Subcutaneous Administration of LEUPROLIDE ACETATE and MICRODOSE LEUPROLIDE
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Pop off the plastic top of Leuprolide or Microdose Leuprolide.
Swab off the top of the vial with an alcohol pad to prevent contamination.
Select an orange capped insulin syringe provided by The Apothecary Shops. Insulin syringes are marked off from 0-50 units.
Remove the orange cap.
Using your syringe, draw back a small portion of air equal to your dose.
Firmly insert the needle through the rubber stopper into the vial. Invert, or turn upside down, the vial and syringe as one complete unit and depress the air into the vial in order to equalize the pressure, which will make withdrawal of the solution easier. Once you depress the plunger of the air-filled syringe into the vial, make sure the tip of the needle is BELOW the liquid level and pull the plunger to withdraw the prescribed dose/units.
Cleanse your selected SUBCUTANEOUS injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow to dry.
While holding the syringe with your dominant hand between your thumb and finger (as you would a pencil), pinch the skin (with your other hand) at the site you have selected.
With a quick, dart-like motion, insert the entire needle (up to the hub of the syringe) at a 90° or a 45° angle and depress the plunger slowly and carefully.
After the injection is complete, quickly pull out the needle. If bleeding, apply pressure to the injection site with a sterile gauze pad. If discomfort occurs after your injection, you may gently massage the injection site to alleviate your discomfort.
After injecting the medication, dispose of the syringe into the Sharps waste container. It is unnecessary to recap the needle as this could cause injury. |
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