Lupron Depot Kit (Leuprolide Acetate)

Description

Indications

Leuprolide injection is used to treat the symptoms associated with advanced prostate cancer. It is also used in children to treat central precocious puberty. Leuprolide injection is additionally used with other medications to treat endometriosis as well as anemia caused by uterine fibroids. Leuprolide is in a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body.

Uses and Dosage

This medication is administered by injection into a muscle by a healthcare professional as directed by your doctor, typically once every month. It releases the medication slowly into your bloodstream over a one-month period.

If you are using this medication at home, ensure you understand all preparation and usage instructions provided by your healthcare professional and outlined in the product package. Learn proper storage and disposal procedures for medical supplies.

Before administering each dose, wash your hands and thoroughly mix the medication. Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Rotate injection sites with each dose to minimize tissue injury. Administer each dose within 2 hours of mixing.

If more than 2 hours have elapsed since mixing, discard the product and prepare another syringe/dose.

The duration of treatment is determined by your medical condition, response to treatment, and laboratory tests.

Use this medication regularly to achieve optimal benefits. To aid in remembering, mark your calendar to track when the next dose is due.

During the initial weeks of treatment, your hormone levels may increase before decreasing. This is a normal response to the medication, and your symptoms may worsen temporarily.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. It may take at least 3 months for your symptoms to improve.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• tiredness
• hot flashes (a sudden wave of mild or intense body heat), sweating, or clamminess
• breast tenderness, pain, or change in breast size in both men and women
• vaginal discharge, dryness, or itching in women
• spotting (light vaginal bleeding) or menstruation (periods)
• decrease in size of testicles
• decrease in sexual ability or desire
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
• pain, burning, bruising, redness, or hardening at place where injection was given
• change in weight
• muscle or joint pain
• runny nose, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
• fever
• stomach pain
• constipation
• headache
• acne
• depression
• unable to control emotions and frequent mood changes
• nervousness
• general feeling of discomfort or uneasiness
• difficulty with memory

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• itching, rash, or hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• pain in the arms, back, chest, neck, or jaw
• slow or difficult speech
• dizziness or fainting
• weakness, numbness, or inability to move an arm or leg
• bone pain
• painful, frequent, or difficult urination
• blood in urine
• extreme thirst
• weakness
• dry mouth
• nausea
• vomiting
• breath that smells fruity
• decreased consciousness
• sudden headache
• blurred vision
• vision changes
• difficulty moving eyes
• drooping eyelids
• confusion
• seizures

Caution

• Before using leuprolide, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to it or similar drugs like histrelin or triptorelin. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
• Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have high blood fat levels, mental/mood problems like depression, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, or seizures.
• Leuprolide may weaken bones and increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for an extended period. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have osteoporosis or any risk factors for osteoporosis, such as long-term alcohol use, smoking, family history of osteoporosis and fractures, or use of certain medications like corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) or certain anti-seizure drugs like phenytoin.
• This medication may cause dizziness. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely. Limit alcohol consumption and discuss marijuana use with your doctor.
• Leuprolide must not be used during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. It’s crucial to prevent pregnancy while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and discuss using reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (e.g., condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication. If you become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
• It’s unclear if leuprolide passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication.

Form and Strength

Lupron Depot Kit is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Lupron Depot Kit injection kit:
  • 7.5 mg
  • 11.25 mg
  • 22.5 mg
  • 30 mg
• leuprolide injection kit:
  • 3.75 mg
  • 11.25 mg
  • 22.5 mg

FAQ

How long does it take Lupron to lower testosterone levels?

In clinical studies, it took about one month for Lupron to drop testosterone to very low levels.

Will Lupron cure my prostate cancer?

Lupron isn’t a cure for prostate cancer. Instead, it helps slow down the growth of your cancer by lowering your levels of testosterone.

Resources

1. https://www.goodrx.com/lupron-depot/what-is#faqs
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/leuprolide-intradermal-route-intramuscular-route-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20067038
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1591-5137/lupron-depot-intramuscular/leuprolide-monthly-3-75-mg-injection/details
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a685040.html
5. https://www.drugs.com/lupron.html