Lupron Depot (Leuprolide Acetate)

What is Lupron Depot?

Lupron (Leuprolide) is an artificial hormone. It stimulates body’s own production of certain hormones and regulates several processes in the body.

What is Lupron Depot used for?

Lupron is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of prostate cancer in men and precocious (early-onset) puberty in children (both male and female). It is also used to treat certain uterus disorders such as endometriosis (overgrowth of the lining of the uterus) or uterine fibroids.

How does Lupron Depot work?

Lupron works by lowering the amount of testosterone hormones in men and estrogen hormones in women.  This helps slow down or stop the growth of cancerous cells that require these hormones to grow and multiply.

How to use Lupron Depot

Lupron is usually injected once every four months, under the skin or into a muscle. It is advisable to take the injection from a medical practitioner or nurse. Do not take the injection on your own unless you fully understand how it is to be used.

Make sure that you use a needle only once. Dispose off the used syringe in a puncture-proof container. Get your blood tested on a regular basis.

Lupron Depot warnings and precautions

Do not use Lupron if you are allergic to leuprolide, goserelin (Zoladex), nafarelin (Synarel), histrelin (Supprelin), buserelin (Suprecor, Suprefact); or if you take steroid or seizure medicines.

Prior to taking Lupron, tell your doctor if you have kidney or heart disease, asthma, epilepsy, personal or family history of osteoporosis (low bone density), migraine, depression, blood in your urine, pain or difficulty while urinating, abnormal bleeding, or if you are suffering from a condition affecting your spine.

Lupron may stop menstrual periods in women. Inform your doctor immediately if regular periods continue while taking this medication. Pregnant women should not use Lupron as it can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Use effective birth control treatment to avoid pregnancy as hormonal forms of contraception (e.g., birth control pills, injections, implants, vaginal rings, and skin patches) may become ineffective with the use of this medicine. If you become pregnant during treatment,

What do I do if I have missed a Lupron Depot dose?

If you have missed your Lupron dose, you should contact your doctor.

What do I do if I have taken a Lupron Depot overdose?

If you have taken a Lupron overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Lupron Depot interactions

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements that you may be using. Also, do not stop or start taking any medicine without consulting your doctor.

Lupron Depot side effects

Lupron side effects include hives, breathing trouble, back ache, numbness or tingling in legs or feet, increased frequency of urination, bruising, problems with vision, muscle weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, slow heart rate, pain or difficulty while urinating, sudden headache, rapid weight gain, confusion; pain, burning or redness on the injected area; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Lupron, contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, stomach ache, muscle pain, fatigue, increased growth of facial hair, vaginal discharge or itching, breast swelling, testicle pain, decreased sex drive, impotence, insomnia, mild skin rash or acne, and breast tenderness are some less serious side effects of Lupron.