Let's learn about the Leuprolide vaccine for prostate cancer.

Did your doctor tell you that you have prostate cancer? When he told you to start taking a shot called Leuprolide as a treatment, you must have felt a little scared and curious. You probably have a lot of questions in your mind, like, 'What is this medicine? What will happen with it? Are there any side effects?' Today, we will talk about this simply and in a way that you can understand. This will be a great help in gaining a better understanding of the treatment you are being given.

Simply put, what is Leuprolide?

Okay, let's think about it this way. Think about it, prostate cancer cells are like a plant. This plant needs things like water and fertilizer to grow. Similarly, the main thing that helps these cancer cells grow and spread is the male hormone testosterone .

This injection called Leuprolide works by greatly reducing the testosterone levels in your body. It's like stopping the water supply to a plant. This deprives the cancer cells of the "nutrition" they need to grow and spread. This controls the growth of cancer cells and reduces the spread of cancer. This means that rather than curing cancer directly, this medicine helps to reduce the symptoms of cancer and control it .

In Sri Lanka, this medicine may come under various brand names such as Eligard, Lupron Depot, and Lutrate Depot. However, they all contain the same drug, Leuprolide.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this vaccine

To ensure that this treatment is given to you in the best and safest way possible, it is very important that you give your doctor a complete account of your health. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.

• If you have diabetes .
• If you have heart disease or heart failure .
• If you have an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat.
• If you have previously been diagnosed with low or high levels of electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium in your blood.
• If you have a condition like seizures .
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this Leuprolide medication or any other medication, food, or dye.
• If your wife is pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding (this is not particularly relevant as this medicine is usually given to men, but any health information is important).

How do you get this medicine?

This is not a medicine that you can take home. This is an injection . This vaccine is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a trained health professional, such as a doctor or nurse. It is injected under the skin or into a muscle. Your doctor will tell you when you will receive the vaccine.

What if I miss the day of the vaccination?

It is very important to get this vaccine on time. This is because it helps regulate your body's hormone levels. If for some reason you are unable to come in for your vaccination on the scheduled day, call your doctor or clinic immediately and let them know. They will give you the next available day to come in.

What to do if the dose of the medicine increases?

Since this is given in a hospital, the chances of overdose are very low. However, if you somehow think you have received an overdose of this medicine, do not panic. Go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Some medications you are taking may interact with this Leuprolide injection. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements, as well as if you smoke or drink alcohol.

The table below lists some of the main medications that may interact with this vaccine.

This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you take .

Things you should be aware of when getting vaccinated

It's a good idea to pay attention to changes in your body while undergoing this treatment.

Be aware of symptoms.

If your symptoms do not improve after starting treatment, or if they seem to get worse, tell your doctor. Sometimes your symptoms may get worse in the first few weeks of treatment. This is normal. But it is a good idea to let your doctor know.

Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

There have been reports of a small risk of heart attack or stroke in some people taking this medication, so it's important to be aware of this.

Possible severe skin reactions

Rarely, someone may develop a severe skin reaction to this medicine. This may occur even weeks after starting the medicine. If you develop a rash with symptoms of a cold such as fever, body aches, red or purple blisters on your skin, or if you feel your skin peeling , tell your doctor immediately. Also, if you develop a rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen glands in the neck or armpits, this can also be a serious sign.

Increased Blood Sugar

This medicine can cause your blood sugar levels to rise. This risk is slightly higher if you already have diabetes.

• Feeling excessively thirsty
• Urinating more frequently than usual
• Feeling unusually tired
• Blurred vision

If you experience these symptoms (hyperglycemia), tell your doctor. He or she will check your blood sugar levels and give you the necessary advice.

Potential Impact on Fertility

Because this medication changes hormone levels in the body, it can affect fertility. If you are hoping to have children, talk openly with your doctor about it before starting this treatment.

Side effects that may occur due to this vaccine

Like any medicine, Leuprolide injection can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The table below can give you a good idea of ​​what these are.

If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.