Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) is an injection that treats endometriosis and uterine fibroids (growths in the womb that are typically noncancerous). It's available in two different strengths to allow for a dosing schedule that's either once a month or once every 3 months. This medication is typically given by a healthcare provider. Common side effects of leuprolide (Lupron Depot) include hot flashes and headaches. It's available as brand name only.
Endometriosis
Before fibroid surgery to help improve anemia due to bleeding from uterine fibroids
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, which is a lab-made hormone similar to the GnRH your body naturally makes. Over time, it lowers estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen is thought to play a role in endometriosis and uterine fibroid growth. By lowering estrogen in your body, leuprolide (Lupron Depot) can help treat symptoms of endometriosis and lessen bleeding from uterine fibroids.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
For adults
Less common
Fast or irregular heartbeat
For males only (adults)
More common
Arm, back, or jaw pain
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
chest pain or discomfort
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty with moving
dizziness
frequent urge to urinate
headache
increased urge to urinate during the night
muscle pain or stiffness
nervousness
pain in the joints
pale skin
pounding in the ears
slow or fast heartbeat
sweating
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
waking to urinate at night
Rare
Pain in the groin or legs (especially in the calves)
Incidence not known
Altered mental status
cold, clammy, pale skin
confusion
double vision
irregular heartbeat
visual changes
vomiting
For females only (adults)
For children
More common
Body aches or pain
chills
cough producing mucus
difficulty in breathing
ear congestion
headache
loss of voice
muscle aches
noisy breathing
pain or redness at the injection site
runny or stuffy nose
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Irritability
mood or mental changes
Rare
Burning, itching, or swelling at the injection site
Incidence not known
Seizures
For females only (children)—expected in first few weeks
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
For adults
More common
Sudden sweating and feeling of warmth (hot flashes)
For females only (adults)
For males only (adults)
More common
Back pain
chills
general feeling of discomfort or illness
loss of appetite
pain or discomfort at the injection site
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
shivering
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
Less common
Decreased size of the testicles
inability to have or keep an erection
For children
More common
feeling of warmth
redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
stomach pain
vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Only need to get injections monthly or every 3 months, depending on the dose
Works well to shrink uterine fibroids and reduce bleeding before surgery
Works well to relieve pain from endometriosis
Can use together with norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) for endometriosis
Available as brand name only
Injections might be uncomfortable
Many possible side effects (most commonly, hot flashes or sweats)
Not safe to use during pregnancy
When you first start leuprolide (Lupron Depot), your hormone levels go up for a short period of time. During the first several days of therapy, you might see a flare-up in your symptoms. But your symptoms should improve as you continue treatment. If your symptoms don't seem to be getting better, contact your provider.
Depending on your treatment plan, your provider might prescribe other medications for you to take in addition to leuprolide (Lupron Depot). These medications are norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) for endometriosis and iron supplementation for anemia due to uterine fibroids. Make sure you follow your provider's instructions on how to take these additional medications.
Don't take leuprolide (Lupron Depot) if you're pregnant because it might cause harm to an unborn baby. If you're able to have children, make sure to use a non-hormonal birth control method to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) can sometimes cause depression. Let your provider know right away if you notice concerning thoughts or behaviors after starting this medication.
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) can weaken your bones. Make sure you're getting enough calcium in your diet, vitamin D, and plenty of physical activity to keep your bones strong. Ask your provider or pharmacist for more recommendations so your bones stay healthy.
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Alcohol use | Tobacco use | Family history of osteoporosis (weak bones) | Taking other medications that can weaken your bones
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) causes a drop in estrogen levels, which can lead to the weakening of bones and bone loss. This loss of bone density might not be reversible after stopping treatment. Your risk is higher if you use alcohol or tobacco, have a family history of osteoporosis, or take medications that can lower your bone density (e.g., antiseizure medications, corticosteroids). Your provider will make sure you use leuprolide (Lupron Depot) for the shortest time possible to avoid this side effect. If you need to repeat treatment with this medication, your provider might check your bone density or prescribe other medications to make sure it's safe for you.
Risk factors: Pregnancy
Based on animal studies, leuprolide (Lupron Depot) can cause harm to unborn babies when taken during pregnancy. Your provider might ask you to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment to prevent this potential risk. If you're pregnant, you shouldn't take this medication. It's important to use non-hormonal birth control, such as condoms and Paragard (copper intrauterine device), to prevent pregnancy while taking leuprolide (Lupron Depot). If you become pregnant during treatment with leuprolide (Lupron Depot), let your provider know right away.
In some rare cases, leuprolide (Lupron Depot) can cause allergic reactions, including life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Before starting this medication, let your provider know about all of your allergies. If you experience a rash; trouble breathing; or swelling in your face, mouth, or throat after taking leuprolide (Lupron Depot), get medical help right away.
Rarely, some people taking leuprolide (Lupron Depot) have had seizures. If you experience a seizure (e.g., uncontrollable movements, confusion, loss of consciousness), get medical attention right away.
Risk factors: History of depression
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) might cause new or worsening depression. Let your provider know if you have a history of depression. If you experience new or worsening symptoms of depression, contact your provider. They can help you decide if it's still safe to take leuprolide (Lupron Depot) or recommend ways to help manage your depression.
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) is available in two strengths: 3.75 mg and 11.25 mg. Depending on the dose, the medication can be injected once every month or once every 3 months.
Endometriosis:
The typical dose is 3.75 mg injected into the muscle (intramuscularly or IM) once a month for up to 6 months. Alternatively, the 11.25 mg dose is injected IM every 3 months for up to 2 doses.
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) can be given by itself. The medication can also be used together with 5 mg of norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) that's taken by mouth every day. If needed, your provider might repeat treatment for a maximum of 1 year.
Uterine fibroids:
The typical dose is 3.75 mg injected IM once a month for up to 3 months. Alternatively, the 11.25 mg dose is injected IM for only one time. Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) is typically used together with iron supplementation.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Unusual vaginal bleeding that hasn't been evaluated by a healthcare provider
Currently pregnant
Endometriosis
Before fibroid surgery to help improve anemia due to bleeding from uterine fibroids
Endometriosis (extra tissue growth in and around your uterus)
Hereditary angioedema (inherited condition that causes swelling in your lips and other body parts)
Moderate-to-severe pain caused by endometriosis
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