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Home > Drug Category > Prostate Medication (BPH) > Lupron Depot and Equivalent

Lupron Depot Information

Lupron Depot (Leuprolide Acetate) is used for treating several conditions that are driven or exacerbated by sex hormones. Firstly, it is used in men for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Given the fact that prostate cancer cells need testosterone to grow, lueprolide is used as a form of androgen deprivation therapy to reduce testosterone levels and eventually limit the disease's progression. Leupron is used in women of reproductive age to treat endometriosis, a condition in which the endometrial tissue is displaced, and in response to estrogen causes pelvic pain, inflammation, and abnormal bleeding. Leuprolide lowers the estrogen levels which helps shrink endometriotic tissue and alleviate associated symptoms.

Furthermore, leuprolide can be used to shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding, often for a limited time in women for whom 3 months of hormone suppression is deemed necessary by a physician. It is sometimes used in combination with iron therapy to address anemia due to dysfunctional uterine bleeding associated with uterine fibroids, especially when iron therapy alone is considered inadequate. Also, leuprolide is used in children who start puberty far too early (before age 8 for girls, 9 for boys). It is used to suppress the production of sex hormones to stop or reverse the signs of premature development, allowing for a more normal progression of physical and psychological growth in these children. In women using this medication longer than 6 months, it is typically used with another medication called norethindrone acetate. This is to prevent some notable side effects of this medication, such as hot flashes and bone thinning.

Leuprolide belongs to the group of medications known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. It is structurally similar to a natural hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which is necessary for optimal sex hormone levels. The mechanism of action of this medication is quite fascinating as it causes an initial flare or temporary surge in sex hormones (testosterone in men, estrogen in women) due to its over-stimulatory effects on the pituitary gland. However, with repeated doses of this medication, persistent overstimulation desensitizes the pituitary gland's gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors. This ultimately leads to a dramatic and sustained reduction in sex hormones produced by the testes and ovaries in men and women, respectively. Ultimately, the goal of using this medication is the suppression of sex hormone levels, which slows the progression of hormone-dependent conditions highlighted earlier.

Lupron Depot Side Effects

Like all medications, leuprolide can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them. Kindly note that during the first few weeks of treatment with leuprolide, you may notice your signs and symptoms temporarily worsening. This is due to a sudden increase in hormones, which will normalize once the correct dose for you has been determined. Some common mild side effects of this medication include hot flashes or sweats, headaches, decreased libido, depression, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, vaginitis, and weight gain. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat; • Bone pain and easy bone fractures;
• Difficulty urinating;
• Heart attack with symptoms like chest pain or pressure, pain extending through the shoulder;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, yellow eyes, and skin;
• Low blood pressure with symptoms like fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness;
• Lung inflammation with symptoms like shortness of breath, dry cough with exertion;
• Pituitary apoplexy with symptoms like sudden headache, vomiting, changes to vision, eye muscle movement problems;
• Seizures;
• Vision changes

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Lupron Depot Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to leuprolide acetate, other ingredients in Lupron Depot, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Asthma;
• Blood cell disorders such as anemia;
• Bone problems such as osteoporosis;
• Depression;
• Diabetes;
• Heart disease;
• High cholesterol levels;
• Liver disease;
• Seizure disorders;
• Stroke;
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding;
• Urinating difficulties

Avoid smoking and the intake of alcohol while taking this medication, as these substances can increase the risk of bone thinning, fractures, and heart disease. This medication should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to your fetus. Employ the use of an effective form of contraception while using this medication. Inform your doctor immediately if you get pregnant while taking this medication. Consult your doctor before using leuprolide while breastfeeding. Leuprolide may interact with other medicines such as amiodarone, citalopram, fluoxetine, and procainamide, causing severe adverse reactions. Therefore, you must inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including herbal medicines and supplements, that you are taking before starting Lupron Depot injections to determine the possibility of adverse drug interactions.

This medication is available in a depot formulation, meaning as a long-acting injectable suspension, typically given as a single shot (intramuscularly or subcutaneously, depending on the dose) and releases the medication slowly over a set period. It is best administered in your doctor's office by a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you depending on your condition. Treatment schedules must be followed consistently because missed doses allow hormone levels to rise again, reducing the therapeutic effect. Store this medication as stated in the medication pack and avoid freezing it.

Do I need a prescription to order Lupron Depot?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Lupron Depot.