Leuprolide (Lupron, Lupron Depot)

Category:

• Hormonal

Description:

• Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonist, inhibits gonadotropin secretion

Indications:

• Advanced prostatic cancer

• Central precocious puberty

• Endometriosis

• Uterine fibroids

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy and lactation

• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

• 30mg depot formulation is contraindicated in women

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category X

• Increase in occurrence of disease (prostatic and endometriosis) during initial phases of treatment.

• May cause bone density changes

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• ECG changes and ischemia (19.4%)

• Injection site irritation (13.8%)

• Edema (12.2%)

• Hot flashes and sweating (47-84%)

• Generalized pain (6-32%)

• Decrease in testicular size  

Dosage:

• Administered by injection

• Advanced prostatic cancer: 1mg SQ daily or 7.5mg IM monthly or 22.5mg IM every three months or 30mg IM every four months

• Central precocious puberty: individualize dose per patient based on weight

• < 25kg = 7.5mg IM every four weeks

• 25-37.5kg = 11.25mg IM every four weeks

• >37.5kg = 15mg IM every four weeks

• Endometriosis: 3.75mg IM monthly or 11.25mg IM every three months

• Uterine fibroids: recommended therapy less than 3 months

• 3.75mg IM monthly or 11.25mg IM once for three months