All About Lupron Depot

What is Lupron Depot?

If you’re an adult with one of the following conditions, your doctor may prescribe Lupron Depot in certain situations:

• advanced prostate cancer
• endometriosis
• uterine fibroids

Doctors may also prescribe a form of this medication, called Lupron Depot-Ped, to certain children. It’s used to treat early-onset puberty.

To learn more about the drug’s uses, including limitations of its use, see the “What is Lupron Depot used for?” section below.

Lupron Depot basics

Lupron Depot contains the active drug leuprolide acetate. The medication isn’t currently available in generic form.

Lupron Depot is a hormone therapy. It belongs to a group of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.

A healthcare professional will give you Lupron Depot as an injection directly into a muscle.

Lupron Depot vs. Lupron Depot-Ped

Lupron Depot and Lupron Depot-Ped contain the same active drug, leuprolide acetate. They’re used to treat different conditions in different age groups.

Lupron Depot is used in adults, and Lupron Depot-Ped is used in children. (The “Ped” in the drug name refers to “pediatric.”)

This article discusses both Lupron Depot and Lupron Depot-Ped. Read on to learn about this medication’s dosage, side effects, uses, and more.

What are Lupron Depot’s side effects?

Like most drugs, Lupron Depot may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Lupron Depot may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

The side effects of Lupron Depot might differ depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Lupron Depot. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Lupron Depot can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Lupron Depot’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Lupron Depot that have been reported include:

• headache
• acne
• skin rash
• vaginal discharge, itching, or bleeding
• hair loss
• digestive problems, such as indigestion, gas, diarrhea, or constipation
• pain in your joints or muscles
• hot flashes
• menstrual cycle changes
• shrinkage of the testicles
• decreased sex drive
• fluid retention
• weakness, dizziness, or fatigue (low energy)
• injection site pain
• weight gain or weight loss

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Lupron Depot can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Lupron Depot, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Lupron Depot that have been reported include:

• short-term surge in the body’s testosterone or estrogen level, which may cause the condition being treated to get worse before it gets better
• heart and blood vessel problems that can be life threatening, such as heart attack, stroke, or long QT syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder)
• seizures
• high blood sugar, which may lead to diabetes
• loss of bone mineral density (a measurement of bone strength), which may lead to thin, weak bones
• mood and behavior changes
• allergic reaction

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Lupron Depot.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Lupron Depot. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

What is Lupron Depot’s dosage?

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Lupron Depot that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but the dosage you receive will be determined by your doctor.

Forms and strengths

A healthcare professional will give you Lupron Depot as an injection directly into a muscle.

Lupron Depot and Lupron Depot-Ped come in syringes that contain a powder and a solution. A healthcare professional will mix the contents of the syringe just before they inject it into your muscle.

The drug comes in the following strengths:

• 3.75 milligrams (mg)
• 7.5 mg
• 11.25 mg
• 15 mg
• 22.5 mg
• 30 mg
• 45 mg

Recommended dosages

The dosage of Lupron Depot and Lupron Depot-Ped depends on the condition they’re being used to treat.

The typical dosage for prostate cancer that’s advanced is one dose of Lupron Depot every 1, 3, 4, or 6 months.

For endometriosis or uterine fibroids, you’ll likely receive one dose of Lupron Depot every 1 or 3 months.

For early-onset puberty, the dosage of Lupron Depot-Ped is based on the child’s body weight. The typical dosage is one dose every 1 or 3 months.

Questions about Lupron Depot’s dosage

Below are some common questions about Lupron Depot’s dosage.

• What if I miss a dose of Lupron Depot? A healthcare professional will give Lupron Depot injections to you. If you miss your appointment, contact your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing doses of this medication could cause your condition to get worse.
• Will I need to use Lupron Depot long term? Lupron Depot may be used short term or long term. How long you’ll receive this treatment depends on the condition it’s being used to treat.
• How long does Lupron Depot take to work? Lupron Depot begins working right away. But in the first 1 to 2 weeks, the drug may cause a short-term surge in your body’s testosterone or estrogen level. This may cause the condition being treated to get worse before it gets better. Within 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment, your testosterone or estrogen levels should drop. When this occurs, you may start to feel some improvement in the symptoms of your condition.

What is Lupron Depot used for?

Lupron Depot and Lupron Depot-Ped are a type of hormone therapy. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.

GnRH agonists work by activating the pituitary gland in your brain to release certain hormones. In turn, these hormones cause your reproductive system to release a surge of sex hormones. (These are mainly testosterone in males* and estrogen in females.*)

This surge signals your body to stop making the sex hormones. Ultimately, in males, Lupron Depot causes the testicles to stop making testosterone. And in females, the drug causes the ovaries to stop making estrogen and progesterone.

Lupron Depot and Lupron Depot-Ped are used to treat certain conditions that may improve when the body stops making these hormones. These conditions are described below.

* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Lupron Depot for prostate cancer

Lupron Depot is used for the palliative treatment of prostate cancer that’s advanced in adults. (Advanced means the cancer has spread beyond the prostate to other areas of the body.) Palliative treatment eases symptoms of a disease but isn’t meant to cure the disease.

Lupron Depot is used to stop the body from making hormones. This includes testosterone, a hormone that helps prostate cancer cells grow and spread. By reducing testosterone in the body, Lupron Depot may help slow the cancer’s growth. This may ease the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer, such as painful urination.

Lupron Depot for endometriosis

Lupron Depot is used to treat endometriosis in adults.

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. Hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle affect the misplaced tissue, causing symptoms such as pelvic pain and heavy periods.

Lupron Depot works to treat endometriosis by stopping the body from making hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. It can help relieve pain and reduce the size of endometrium-like tissues outside of the uterus.

Lupron Depot may be used as a first treatment to manage endometriosis symptoms. For this purpose, the drug is prescribed together with norethindrone acetate.

Use with norethindrone acetate

Norethindrone acetate is a type of hormone replacement therapy called a progestin. It replaces progesterone, a hormone that Lupron Depot stops the ovaries from making. Taking norethindrone acetate reduces your risk of certain side effects of Lupron Depot, such as bone loss.

But there’s a limitation on Lupron Depot’s use with norethindrone acetate. The total duration of treatment of Lupron Depot with norethindrone acetate is limited to 12 months.

Lupron Depot for uterine fibroids

Lupron Depot is used to treat uterine fibroids in adults.

Uterine fibroids are abnormal, noncancerous growths on or in the uterus. Common symptoms include heavy periods, heavy bleeding between periods, and pain in the belly. Heavy bleeding often leads to anemia in people with fibroids. (A person with anemia has a low red blood cell level.)

Lupron Depot works to treat fibroids by stopping the body from making hormones that cause menstrual bleeding. The drug can help reduce the size of uterine fibroids and stop the excessive menstrual bleeding.

For this use, Lupron Depot is prescribed for 3 months together with an iron supplement. After 3 months, you’ll likely have surgery to remove the fibroids, as long as your red blood cell level has increased.

There’s a limitation on Lupron Depot’s use for fibroids. For this condition, the drug isn’t meant to be used together with norethindrone acetate.

Lupron Depot-Ped for early-onset puberty

Lupron Depot-Ped is used to treat early-onset puberty in children. Early-onset puberty is also called central precocious puberty.

Puberty is the process of sexual development through which a child physically matures into an adult. Early-onset puberty occurs when this process begins too early (before age 8 years in females or before age 9 years in males).

The signs of early-onset puberty are the same as those seen when puberty occurs in older children and adolescents. Shorter height and psychological problems are common symptoms.

Lupron Depot-Ped works by stopping the body from making sex hormones. This stops or reverses the signs of early-onset puberty. When a child stops taking the medication, their body will resume making hormones, and puberty will continue.

What are some frequently asked questions about Lupron Depot?

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Lupron Depot.

When will I get my first period after stopping Lupron Depot treatment?

You may get your period within 3 months after your last dose of Lupron Depot. But this can vary, depending on your dosage.

Lupron Depot commonly causes changes in your menstrual cycle, such as not having periods. This is because the drug stops your body from making hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. These hormones typically regulate the menstrual cycle. As Lupron Depot slowly wears off, your body will resume making these hormones and having periods.

If you have questions about what to expect during or after your treatment with Lupron Depot, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Lupron Depot used to treat breast cancer?

Doctors may prescribe Lupron Depot off-label to treat certain types of breast cancer. Off-label refers to when doctors prescribe a drug for a use other than the those specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can fuel the growth and spread of some cancers. This includes certain types of breast cancer. Lupron Depot is used to stop your body from making these hormones. This effect is meant to slow or stop the cancer from growing and spreading.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about FDA-approved or off-label treatments for breast cancer.

If I stop my Lupron Depot treatment, will I have withdrawal symptoms?

Stopping Lupron Depot isn’t known to cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that may occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With drug dependence, your body becomes used to a drug and needs it to function as usual.

Note that Lupron Depot takes a while to wear off after your last dose. Exactly how long depends on the dosage you received. So if you have side effects, you may continue to have them until the drug completely wears off and your body resumes making hormones. (Remember, Lupron Depot works to stop your body from making hormones.)

Additionally, as your hormones increase to their natural levels, you may notice changes in your body. The symptoms of your condition may return or get worse. So before stopping treatment with Lupron Depot, it’s important to talk with your doctor. They’ll help you decide if another treatment plan would be better for you.

How is Lupron Depot given?

Your doctor will explain how Lupron Depot will be given to you. They’ll also explain how much you’ll be given and how often.

Receiving Lupron Depot

A healthcare professional will give Lupron Depot to you as an injection directly into a muscle.

They’ll give you a dose in one of the following injection sites:

• deltoid (muscle in your upper arm)
• gluteal area of your buttock
• outer area of your upper thigh

Receiving Lupron Depot with other drugs

If you’re receiving Lupron Depot for endometriosis, your doctor may also prescribe norethindrone acetate.

Norethindrone acetate comes as an oral tablet. It’s a type of hormone replacement therapy called a progestin. It replaces progesterone, a hormone that your body stops making while you’re using Lupron Depot treatment. Taking norethindrone acetate with Lupron Depot reduces your risk of certain side effects of Lupron Depot, such as loss of bone strength.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Lupron Depot and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

• Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
  • How will Lupron Depot affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
• Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
• If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

What should I know about Lupron Depot vs. Eligard?

Lupron Depot and Eligard are both brand-name prescription medications. Both contain the same active drug, leuprolide acetate. But they differ in some of their uses.

To learn more about how Lupron Depot and Eligard compare, see this article. You can also ask your doctor if one of these drugs may be right for you.

What should be considered before receiving Lupron Depot?

When considering Lupron Depot treatment, some important things to talk with your doctor about include your overall health and current medications. Read on to find out more about what factors can affect whether Lupron Depot is a good treatment option.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

No medications, supplements, or foods are known to interact with Lupron Depot or Lupron Depot-Ped. But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with Lupron Depot or Lupron Depot-Ped won’t be discovered in the future. For example, new drugs may become available that interact with these medications.

So before starting either medication, it’s still a good idea to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about drug interactions that may occur with taking multiple medications.

Other interactions

Certain lab tests may be affected by Lupron Depot or Lupron Depot-Ped. These medications may cause inaccurate results in lab tests that check hormone function. Doctors use such lab tests to diagnose or monitor various medical conditions.

Keep in mind that Lupron Depot takes a while to wear off after you stop treatment. So lab tests that check hormone function may not be accurate during treatment and up to 6 months after your last dose.

For more information about lab tests and Lupron Depot, talk with your doctor.

Warnings

Lupron Depot may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Lupron Depot. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

• Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lupron Depot or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lupron Depot. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.
• Thin or weak bones. With long-term use, Lupron Depot may cause loss of bone mineral density (BMD), a measurement of bone strength. If you’ve been told you have osteopenia, osteoporosis, or another condition that causes bone loss, talk with your doctor. They may monitor your BMD during your treatment with Lupron Depot. Or they may prescribe a different treatment option.
• Depression. Lupron Depot may cause depression in some people. If you already have depression, using this medication could make your condition more severe. Let your doctor know if you have depression. They’ll likely monitor you closely while you’re receiving Lupron Depot treatment. You and people close to you should also watch for new or unusual moods or behaviors.
• Diabetes. Lupron Depot may cause high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, taking this medication may worsen your condition or make it more challenging to manage. Talk with your doctor if you have diabetes. They’ll likely recommend checking your blood sugar levels more often. If necessary, they’ll also adjust your diabetes medications.
• Heart and blood vessel problems. In rare cases, Lupron Depot may cause serious heart and blood vessel problems, such as heart attack or stroke. If you already have heart disease, such as a heart rhythm problem called long QT syndrome, be sure to tell your doctor. They’ll help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking this medication and decide on the best treatment option for you.

Lupron Depot and alcohol

For most people, drinking alcohol occasionally or in moderation is safe during Lupron Depot treatment.

But long-term alcohol use may increase the risk of bone loss. Lupron Depot treatment also may increase this risk, especially in people who already have thin or weak bones.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to consume during Lupron Depot treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s not safe to use Lupron Depot during pregnancy. Lupron Depot may increase the risk of pregnancy loss or cause harmful effects in a developing fetus.

If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor will have you take a pregnancy test. They’ll need to confirm that you aren’t pregnant before they give you Lupron Depot.

Also, if you’re able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about birth control. A nonhormonal birth control method, such as condoms, is recommended during Lupron Depot treatment.

Receiving Lupron Depot while breastfeeding is not recommended. This is because the effects of Lupron Depot on a breastfed child aren’t known.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting Lupron Depot. They’ll advise you on the best treatment plan during this time.

What does Lupron Depot cost?

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A program called myAbbVie Assist may also be available to help with the cost Lupron Depot.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, you can also check out this article.

What to ask your doctor

Lupron Depot and Lupron Depot-Ped work to stop your body from making certain hormones. This can be an effective treatment for conditions that are sensitive to hormones.

If you’re considering this medication as a treatment option, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have.

Here are some questions to start your discussion with your doctor:

• Should I continue taking my birth control pills while receiving Lupron Depot?
• Can I use herbal remedies to help prevent or ease the side effects of Lupron Depot?
• Are there alternatives to Lupron Depot that could treat my condition?

If you have endometriosis, you can sign up for Healthline’s online newsletter to get helpful tips and personal stories from others living with this condition. You can also read about other treatment options for endometriosis.