Key facts about Lupron Depot
What is Lupron Depot?
Lupron Depot is the brand name for leuprolide acetate and is available as an intramuscular injection.
What dosages is Lupron Depot available in?
Lupron Depot is available as a 7.5 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg injection in a kit with a prefilled dual chamber syringe.
What is Lupron Depot used for?
Lupron Depot is a GnRH agonist used to treat advanced prostate cancer.
How does Lupron Depot work?
Lupron Depot is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, which is a synthetic (lab-made) hormone similar to the GnRH your body naturally makes. Over time, it lowers testosterone levels, which helps slow down the growth of the prostate gland and cancer cells.
How do I take Lupron Depot?
Lupron Depot is administered under the supervision of a physician. The typical dosing range is 7.5 mg to 45 mg injected into your shoulder, buttock, or outer thigh muscle. Depending on the dose, it is injected every month, every 3 months, every 4 months, or every 6 months.
Is it safe for me to take Lupron Depot?
Lupron Depot is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonist or any of the excipients in the product
Lupron Depot Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Lupron Depot:
- Hot flashes or sweats
- Injection site reaction
- General pain
- Tiredness
- Swelling
- Breathing problems
- Digestive system problems
- Urinary problems
- Shrinking of testicles
- High blood pressure
Lupron Depot Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Lupron Depot. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Heart problems: racing heart, fluttering in your chest, abnormal heartbeats, heart attack, stroke
- Seizures
- Metabolic syndrome: hyperglycemia, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs): Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Lupron Depot
The following medications may interact with Lupron Depot:
- Certain tests for pituitary and gonadal function
Who makes Lupron Depot?
AbbVie Inc.
Is Lupron Depot safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal studies, Lupron Depot may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have plans on becoming pregnant. They will recommend what is best for you.
