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Lupron Depot Coupon - Lupron Depot 1 pre-filled syringe of 3.75mg kit

Lupron Depot

leuprolide
Used for Prostate Cancer, Endometriosis
Used for Prostate Cancer, Endometriosis

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 6, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)?

What is Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) used for?

  • Endometriosis

  • Before fibroid surgery to help improve anemia due to bleeding from uterine fibroids

How Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) works

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.

Are you looking for information on Lupron Depot (leuprolide) for prostate cancer or Lupron Depot-Ped (leuprolide) for precocious (early) puberty instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLupron Depot
Drug ClassGnRH agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Side effects for the 3.75 mg dose of leuprolide (Lupron Depot) when used by itself are listed below.
Endometriosis
  • Hot flashes or sweats (84%)
  • Headache (32%)
  • Vaginal inflammation (28%)
  • Depression (22%)
  • Pain (19%)
  • Weight changes (13%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (13%)
  • Lower sex drive (11%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Acne (10%)
  • Skin reactions (10%)
Uterine fibroids
  • Hot flashes or sweats (73%)
  • Headache (26%)
  • Vaginal inflammation (11%)
  • Depression (11%)

Other Side Effects

  • Swelling
  • Upset stomach
  • Movement problems
  • Joint problems
  • Tingling sensation
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nervousness
  • Low energy

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: rash; trouble breathing; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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

Rare

Bone, muscle, or joint pain

fainting

fast or irregular breathing

numbness or tingling of the hands or feet

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes

skin rash, hives, or itching

sudden, severe decrease in blood pressure and collapse

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing

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

nausea

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)

Rare

Anxiety

deepening of voice

increased hair growth

mental depression

mood changes

For children

More common

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

cough producing mucus

difficulty in breathing

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

muscle aches

noisy breathing

pain or redness at the injection site

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

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

Rare

Vaginal bleeding (continuing)

white vaginal discharge (continuing)

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)

Less common

Bleeding, bruising, burning, itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

swelling of the feet or lower legs

swelling or increased tenderness of the breasts

trouble sleeping

weight gain

For females only (adults)

More common

Light, irregular vaginal bleeding

stopping of menstrual periods

Less common

Burning, dryness, or itching of the vagina

pelvic pain

For males only (adults)

More common

Back pain

chills

constipation

cough

diarrhea

fever

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

runny nose

shivering

sore throat

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

Constipation

feeling of warmth

nausea

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)

thumbs-up

Pros

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

thumbs-down

Cons

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)

pharmacist

  • 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.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)

            What is endometriosis?
            Endometriosis is a condition in women that happens when tissue that's similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. This condition can lead to symptoms like painful menstrual cramps, lower back pain, painful sex, bleeding or spotting between periods, stomach problems, and problems getting pregnant. Research suggests that estrogen plays a big role in endometriosis. Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) helps lower estrogen levels in your body, which can relieve symptoms from endometriosis.
            Does leuprolide (Lupron Depot) need to be refrigerated?
            No. Keep leuprolide (Lupron Depot) at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't refrigerate or freeze this medication because cold temperatures might damage it. Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) is typically given by a healthcare provider, so you probably won't need to worry about how to store the medication for use. But if your provider instructs you to keep it at home, follow these instructions to make sure you store the medication properly.
            Where is leuprolide (Lupron Depot) injected?
            Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) is injected into the muscle in your upper arm, thigh, or buttocks by a trained healthcare provider. Let your provider know where your last injection was so they can choose a different injection site. Injecting at different areas each time can help prevent skin irritation and other side effects.
            Does leuprolide (Lupron Depot) stop your period?
            Possibly. In studies, 74% of women taking the 3.75 mg dose of leuprolide (Lupron Depot) didn’t have a period after the first month of treatment. After the second month of treatment, 98% of the women didn’t have a period. In general, this effect was temporary, and normal menstrual cycles usually came back within a few months after stopping treatment. In the same studies, 95% of women who took the 3.75 mg dose got their period back three months after stopping treatment. Keep in mind that this particular study included women who took leuprolide (Lupron Depot) for endometriosis; your menstrual cycle might be different if you're taking it to treat uterine fibroids.
            Can you drink alcohol while taking leuprolide (Lupron Depot)?
            There aren't any specific recommendations from the manufacturer of leuprolide (Lupron Depot) about whether you can drink alcohol while you're taking the medication. But, in general, drinking alcohol can raise your risk of bone loss. Since leuprolide (Lupron Depot) can also raise your risk of bone loss, combining the two together could put you at an even higher risk for this to happen. Speak with your provider about your alcohol consumption during treatment with leuprolide (Lupron Depot).
            Why can't leuprolide (Lupron Depot) be used longer than 1 year for endometriosis?
            Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) shouldn't be used for longer than 1 year for endometriosis because of the risk of bone loss. This medication lowers estrogen in your body, which can cause your bone tissue to break down. Having weaker bones can put you at risk of breaking your bones. In studies, women who took the 3.75 mg dose of leuprolide (Lupron Depot) with norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) for 1 year experienced an average drop of 6% in bone mineral density at their lower spine. Bone mineral density is a measure of how strong your bones are. Your provider will keep an eye on your bone health while you're taking leuprolide (Lupron Depot) to make sure you're not having side effects from this medication.
            Why is leuprolide (Lupron Depot) sometimes used with norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)?
            Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is sometimes used together with leuprolide (Lupron Depot) for the treatment of endometriosis to balance out the bone loss side effect of leuprolide (Lupron Depot). Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is a progestin, which acts like the natural hormone progesterone. This hormone is thought to promote bone formation. In addition, taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) might be helpful to lower other side effects of leuprolide (Lupron Depot), such as hot flashes and sweats. Discuss with your provider whether you'll need to take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) in addition to leuprolide (Lupron Depot).
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            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)?

            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-warning

            Weakening of bones

            • 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-warning

              Harm to unborn babies

              • 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.

                risk-warning

                Allergic reaction

                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.

                risk-warning

                Convulsions (seizures)

                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-warning

                Depression

                • 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.

                  dosage

                  Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) dosage forms

                  Typical dosing for Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)

                  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.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) and other drugs

                  Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Leuprolide (Lupron Depot). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  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.

                  contraindications-icon

                  Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) will not be safe for you to take.

                  • Unusual vaginal bleeding that hasn't been evaluated by a healthcare provider

                  • Currently pregnant

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Leuprolide (Lupron Depot). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)
                  Used for:

                  • Endometriosis

                  • Before fibroid surgery to help improve anemia due to bleeding from uterine fibroids

                  View Prices
                  Danazol
                  Used for:

                  • Endometriosis (extra tissue growth in and around your uterus)

                  • Hereditary angioedema (inherited condition that causes swelling in your lips and other body parts)

                  $114.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Orilissa (elagolix)
                  Used for:
                  $1141.69 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) images

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                  This medicine is Colorless Kit.

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  AbbVie Inc. (n.d.). Lupron depot for anemia prior to uterine fibroids surgery.

                  AbbVie Inc. (n.d.). Lupron depot for endometriosis.

                  AbbVie Inc. (2023). Lupron depot- leuprolide acetate [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  View All References (14)

                  AbbVie Inc. (2023). Lupron depot- leuprolide acetate kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Chantalat, E., et al. (2020). Estrogen receptors and endometriosis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

                  Delgado, B. J., et al. (2023). Estrogen. StatPearls.

                  Hornstein, M. D., et al. (1998). Leuprolide acetate depot and hormonal add-back in endometriosis: A 12-month study. Lupron Add-Back Study Group. Obstetrics and Gynecology.

                  InformedHealth.org. (2020). Uterine fibroids: When is treatment with hormones considered? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.

                  MedlinePlus. (2023). Bone density.

                  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is anemia?

                  National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2023). Exercise for your bone health.

                  Nguyen, M., et al. (2023). Iron supplementation. StatPearls.

                  Office on Women’s Health. (2022). Endometriosis.

                  Pack, A. M. (2003). The association between antiepileptic drugs and bone disease. Epilepsy Currents.

                  Prior, J. C. (2018). Progesterone for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women. Climacteric.

                  You and Your Hormones. (2021). Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone.

                  You and Your Hormones. (2021). Progesterone.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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