Overview
Lupron Depot is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. It is a form of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) that helps lower testosterone levels, which can slow the growth of prostate cancer. Lupron Depot is also known by its drug name, leuprolide acetate.

Lupron Depot is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It initially increases testosterone levels before significantly reducing them, depriving prostate cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Lupron Depot is administered as an intramuscular (into the muscle) injection by a healthcare provider. It is available in multiple dosing schedules, ranging from every four weeks to every 24 weeks. Each dosage strength is formulated for a specific schedule and is not interchangeable. The drug should be given exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Lupron Depot include general pain, hot flushes or sweats, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, edema (swelling), respiratory disorders, urinary disorders, injection site reactions, joint disorders, testicular atrophy, asthenia (weakness), flu syndrome, headache, skin reactions, and fatigue.

Rare but serious side effects may include tumor flare (temporary increase in testosterone and worsening of symptoms), metabolic syndrome (including high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and liver issues), cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, QT interval prolongation (a heart rhythm disorder), convulsions (seizures), severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and drug-induced liver injury. Mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts, have also been reported. Lupron Depot may cause fetal harm and may impair fertility.

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Label: Lupron Depot — Leuprolide Acetate Kit — DailyMed