Lupron Depot

The active ingredient in Lupron Depot is leuprolide acetate, which is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GNRH agonist). It is a synthetic version of a normal hormone (GNRH). This hormone acts differently in males and females. In males, it mainly increases testosterone production, whereas in females, it mainly increases estrogen and progesterone production.

Increasing the level of this agonist in the body decreases the production of natural GNRH. Reducing the natural GNRH means the body produces less testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Lupron Depot works by reducing testosterone levels in males, which helps slow prostate cancer, and estrogen levels in females, which helps treat endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Both can help delay puberty in children with CPP.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Lupron. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lupron Depot:

The Lupron Depot suspension must be reconstituted before injection and be injected into the muscle by a healthcare professional.

The typical dose of Lupron Depot is as follows:

-CPP: 3.75-7.5mg monthly

-Endometriosis: 3.75mg monthly or 11.25mg every 3 months

-Uterine fibroids: 3.75mg monthly

-Prostate cancer: 7.5 mg monthly, 22.5mg every 3 months, or 30mg every 4 months

The most common side effects of Lupron Depot seen in clinical trials include:

-Injection site reactions

-Hot flashes and sweats

-Worsening of prostate cancer or endometriosis symptoms during the first weeks of treatment

-General pain

-Nausea and vomiting

-Headaches, fatigue, and dizziness

-Weight gain or weight loss

-Mood changes

-Joint, muscle, or bone pain

-Skin reactions and acne

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lupron. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

-Chest pains

-Seizures

-Asthma flares

-Signs of an allergic reaction

-Serious injection-site reactions

-Skin reactions such as blistering and peeling of the skin: This may be a sign of a serious condition

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lupron Depot. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cases of skin necrosis at the injection site have been reported. Rotate the injection site, and if necrosis occurs, stop using Lupron Depot immediately.

The use of Lupron Depot in patients with liver or kidney dysfunction has not been studied.

Long-term use of Lupron Depot may cause hypogonadism due to your pituitary gland being suppressed.

Lupron Depot treatment may cause emotional lability and mood changes.

Lupron Depot may cause worsening of the symptoms of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Before starting Lupron Depot, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

-Asthma: flares have been reported after Lupron Depot injections.

-Epilepsy or a history of seizures: seizures have been reported in at-risk patients using Lupron Depot.

-Osteoporosis or a family history of osteoporosis, chronic use of corticosteroids, or long-term alcohol abuse: this may increase the risk of bone loss.

-Any heart conditions: Lupron may affect the rhythm of your heart, and heart attacks have been reported in people with a history of heart disease. Baseline cardiac risk factors should be assessed before starting Lupron Depot treatment.

-Diabetes or high cholesterol: Lupron may increase blood lipid levels or cause high blood sugar.

-Kidney or liver disease.

-Difficulty urinating.

-Anemia: Lupron may worsen anemia.

Lupron Depot is contraindicated in people who have had allergic reactions to leuprolide acetate, GnRH, GnRH analogues, or other ingredients of the formulation.

Lupron is contraindicated in pregnancy or in people who may become pregnant and in breastfeeding.

It is also contraindicated in people with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Luprolide levels were steady in the bloodstream 3-4 weeks after injection.

When Lupron Depot is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including drugs that can prolong QTc interval, for example:

-Antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, etc.

-Antidepressants like amitriptyline or nortriptyline, bupropion, or SSRIs like sertraline and similar drugs.

-Macrolide or quinolone antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, and moxifloxacin.

-Other medications such as quinine, ondansetron, or salbutamol.

Leupron Depot is available in the following formulations:

-3.75mg/syringe 1-month slow-release intramuscular injection

-7.5 mg/syringe 1-month slow-release intramuscular injection

-11.25 mg/syringe 3-month slow-release intramuscular injection

-22.5 mg/syringe 3-month slow-release intramuscular injection

-30 mg/syringe 4-month slow-release intramuscular injection

All Lupron Depot formulations can be stored at room temperature.

Lupron Depot is manufactured by AbbVie Inc.

There is no generic version of Lupron Depot at this time. However, leuprolide acetate is also available under other brand names such as Eligard and Zeulide.

Lupron Depot should not be stopped unless directed by your doctor.

Lupron Depot is contraindicated in pregnancy. Clinical studies have shown it may cause birth defects. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication.

It is not known if Leuprolide is excreted into breastmilk. Lupron Depot is contraindicated in people who are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.