Lupron Depot (Leuprolide Acetate)

Lupron Depot (Leuprolide) Medication Information

Uses

Lupron is a gonadotropin releasing hormone that is used to treat prostate cancer. 

Dosage

The syringes are available in different strengths:

• 7.5 mg
• 22.5 mg
• 30 mg
• 45 mg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Lupron include:

• General pain
• Hot flashes
• Sweats
• Edema
• Injection site reactions
• Fatigue 

Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Lupron.

Precautions

Lupron can cause an increase in testosterone in the beginning of treatment, so it is important to monitor testosterone and PSA levels. 

Lupron can increase blood sugar levels, and increase a patients risk of developing diabetes, or worsening diabetes. 

Lupron can increase a patient’s risk for causing a heart attack. It can also cause arrythmias, which can be life threatening. 

Interactions

Drug interactions with Lupron have not been studied by the manufacturer. 

Speak with your doctor for more information and before starting a new medication with Lupron. 

Storage

Store at room temperature (77ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

• Lupron can cause hot flashes, pain, injection site pain, and fatigue. 
• Lupron can cause impotence
• There is an increase in testosterone during the first few weeks of therapy, so it can worsen prostate cancer symptoms in the beginning.
  

Leuprolide FAQs

How long before Lupron side effects wear off?

Lupron side effects can be present up to 6 months following the last treatment.

What should I expect after a Lupron injection?

The most common side effects of Lupron are hot flashes, sweating, injection site pain, headache, and stomach issues. 

What does Lupron do to your body?

Lupron works by decreasing the amount of testosterone in the body.

Does Lupron affect your immune system?

Unlike regular chemotherapy, Lupron should not really affect the immune system. 

Does Lupron cause weight loss?

One of the side effects of Lupron is weight loss, but this was reported in less than 5% of patients. 

Related Drugs

• Eligard
• Zoladex
• Firmagon
• Vantas

Reference:

Lupron Depot {package insert}. North Chicago, IL: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.; 2014.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020517s036_019732s041lbl.pdf