Hormones are naturally occurring chemicals released from one part of the body that affect other parts of the body in the exocrine and endocrine gland systems. Only a small amount of hormone is required to affect necessary changes. During the latter half of the last century, man made hormones have been used to alter bodily processes in a variety of ways, particularly with birth control and aiding cancer treatments.
Lupron is a popular man-made hormone used to control the production of testosterone in men and estrogen in women. This particular hormone is known as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRH analog), which down-regulates the gonadotropin secretion as long as the drug is administered. This effect minimizes both the production of testosterone in men and estradiol in women.
Conditions Treated with Lupron
Lupron injection was first approved by the FDA in 1985 for use to help treat advanced prostate cancer. Since that time, it has also been approved to treat the following conditions as well:
- Endometriosis or fibroids
- Precocious (early) puberty in both male and female children
It is important to remember that Lupron only treats the symptoms of cancer; it does not cure cancer.
Contraindications for Lupron Treatment
Lupron should not be prescribed to women who are pregnant or hope to become pregnant. Women who are breast-feeding should also avoid Lupron treatments. Allergies or hypersensitivity to the following similar drugs should preclude its use:
- Leuprolide
- Buserelin
- Goserelin
- Histrelin
- Nafarelin
Dosage adjustments or special tests may be required for people with the following conditions:
- Osteoporosis, personal or family history
- Undergoing steroid treatments
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Migraines
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Depression
Side Effects of Lupron
As with all drugs, serious side effects may result in additional personal injury and even death. Physicians need to ensure proper diagnoses and treatment plans to minimize the risks to their patients. Understanding the potential side effects and detecting problems early help minimize medical negligence on their part. Some of the serious side effects of Lupron include:
- Birth defects
- Bone pain
- Swelling and rapid weight gain
- Lightheadedness
- Problems urinating
- Sudden headache
Other complications may occur and should be known or researched by the treating physician.
Lupron Litigation
Hormone therapy is big business for big drug companies. While they claim to create drugs that are safe and effective, many times the drugs do not seem to be safe enough. The manufacturer of Lupron was convicted of price fixing and criminally charged with fraudulent drug pricing and marketing concerning Lupron. A company that paid out $875 million in damages to settle the criminal and civil charges would probably not hesitate to cut corners in developing a safe drug.
Pharmaceutical litigators defend innocent victims of these mega-corporations whose only concern is their profits. Lawsuits and tort law are the only recourse for seeking compensation for damages caused by callous and uncaring big business.
