Leuprolide Acetate
Pronunciation: LOO-prohn (loo-PROE-lide AS-e-tate).
- Generic name
- Leuprolide acetate
- Brand names
- Lupron, Lupron Depot, Lucrin, Prostap, Viadur, Lupride
- Drug class
- Endocrine & Hormonal
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Leuprolide acetate is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Leuprolide acetate works
Leuprolide acetate is a synthetic analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It initially stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), causing a transient increase in sex hormones (testosterone or estrogen). Continued administration leads to downregulation of GnRH receptors, resulting in decreased LH and FSH secretion and subsequent suppression of gonadal steroidogenesis. (1) (2)
What Leuprolide acetate is used for
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer (2)
Endometriosis
Endometriosis (2)
Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids (2)
Central precocious puberty
Central precocious puberty (2)
Before taking Leuprolide acetate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Hypersensitivity to leuprolide or GnRH analogs, pregnancy, unexplained vaginal bleeding. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Leuprolide acetate
- General Instructions: Lupron (Lupron Depot) is given by intramuscular injection, administered by a healthcare professional. A related product, Eligard, delivers leuprolide by subcutaneous injection instead — always confirm with your care team which specific product and route you are receiving. Follow your doctor's instructions closely regarding dosing schedule and duration.. Adult Dosing: Dosing varies by condition: - Prostate cancer: 7.5 mg IM monthly, or depot formulations (22.5 mg every 3 months, 30 mg every 4 months). - Endometriosis: 3.75 mg IM monthly or 11.25 mg every 3 months (up to 6 months). - Uterine fibroids: Similar to endometriosis dosing.. Pediatric Dosing: For central precocious puberty (CPP) in children 1 year of age and older: weight-based monthly IM dose — 7.5 mg for children up to 25 kg, 11.25 mg for 25-37.5 kg, and 15 mg for over 37.5 kg, with further adjustment if hormonal suppression is inadequate. This pediatric approval applies specifically to the CPP indication; the other indications on this page (prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids) are adult-only.. Administration: Given as an intramuscular injection (or subcutaneous injection for the Eligard formulation specifically). Depot forms are long-acting and administered less frequently. Do not self-inject unless trained by a healthcare provider.. When To Stop: Do not stop Lupron on your own — if you want to stop or think you need to stop, seek medical advice promptly, since stopping suddenly may cause hormone levels to rebound and symptoms to return; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Follow specific storage instructions for each formulation.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Do not double the next dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Overdose is rare but may cause hormonal imbalances or severe side effects. Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Hot flashes
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Injection site pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Bone pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Mood changes
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Decreased libido
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May cause a temporary increase in symptoms (tumor flare) during the first weeks of therapy — serious
Symptoms: May cause a temporary increase in symptoms (tumor flare) during the first weeks of therapy. Can decrease bone mineral density with long-term use. May worsen diabetes or increase blood sugar levels. Can affect mood and mental health. Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to leuprolide or GnRH analogs, pregnancy, unexplained vaginal bleeding. Precautions: Use with caution in patients with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, or seizure disorders. Monitor for tumor flare in prostate cancer.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Lupron may interact with other hormone therapies, medications affecting pituitary function, and drugs that impact bone metabolism. Inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Lupron is contraindicated in pregnancy and may cause fetal harm. Use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or become pregnant while receiving Lupron, seek medical advice promptly. (2)
Breastfeeding
Lupron is not recommended while breastfeeding. Its effects on a nursing infant and on milk production are not well established, and some product labeling contraindicates use during breastfeeding; discuss feeding options with your healthcare provider. (2)
Children
Approved specifically for central precocious puberty (CPP) in children 1 year of age and older, using weight-based monthly intramuscular dosing (7.5 mg up to 25 kg; 11.25 mg for 25-37.5 kg; 15 mg over 37.5 kg), with adjustment if hormonal suppression is inadequate. Not approved or recommended for children for the prostate cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids indications. (2)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label states that the pharmacokinetics of Lupron Depot have not been formally evaluated in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, so no specific dose-adjustment schedule is given. Leuprolide is a peptide not metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, and only a small fraction of a dose is recovered unchanged in urine, but because formal studies in organ impairment are lacking, use in patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment should be individually assessed by the prescriber. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label states that the pharmacokinetics of Lupron Depot have not been formally evaluated in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, so no specific dose-adjustment schedule is given. Leuprolide is a peptide not metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, and only a small fraction of a dose is recovered unchanged in urine, but because formal studies in organ impairment are lacking, use in patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment should be individually assessed by the prescriber. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Follow the specific storage instructions provided with each formulation (kit/diluent handling varies by product).
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Prostate cancer
Dose summary: For the treatment of prostate cancer, the standard adult dosing is 7.5 mg administered by intramuscular injection once a month, or 22.5 mg every three months, or 30 mg every four months.
Renal context: FDA label: pharmacokinetics of Lupron Depot have not been formally evaluated in patients with renal impairment; no specific dose-adjustment schedule is given. Less than 5% of a dose was recovered as parent drug/M-I metabolite in urine in a small pharmacokinetic study, suggesting minimal urinary excretion, but formal renal-impairment dosing studies are lacking — individualize in significant renal impairment. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
FDA label: pharmacokinetics of Lupron Depot have not been formally evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment; no specific dose-adjustment schedule is given. Leuprolide is a peptide and is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, so CYP-mediated hepatic drug interactions are not expected, but formal hepatic-impairment dosing studies are lacking — individualize in significant hepatic impairment.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions does Lupron treat?
Lupron is used for advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and central precocious puberty. It may also be used off-label for other hormone-sensitive conditions.
How long does it take for Lupron to work?
Lupron begins lowering hormone levels within days, but full effects may take 2-4 weeks. Some symptoms may temporarily worsen before improving.
Can Lupron cause menopause-like symptoms?
Yes, Lupron lowers estrogen or testosterone, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, similar to menopause or andropause.
Is Lupron safe during pregnancy?
No, Lupron should not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment.
Does Lupron affect fertility?
Lupron temporarily suppresses fertility by lowering hormone levels. Fertility usually returns after stopping, but discuss your plans with your doctor.
How is Lupron administered?
Lupron (Lupron Depot) is given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional. Depot forms are long-acting and require less frequent dosing. A related product, Eligard, delivers leuprolide subcutaneously instead — confirm with your care team which product and route you are receiving.
What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have severe allergic reactions, chest pain, sudden weakness, or severe mood changes.
What happens if I take too much Lupron (Leuprolide acetate)?
Taking too much Lupron (Leuprolide acetate) can lead to an exacerbation of its intended effects, potentially causing severe hormonal imbalances. While specific overdose symptoms are not well-defined, it's crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Contact your local poison control center or emergency services promptly for guidance and treatment.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Lupron (Leuprolide acetate)?
There are no direct contraindications against consuming alcohol while taking Lupron (Leuprolide acetate). However, alcohol can sometimes worsen certain side effects associated with hormonal changes, such as hot flashes or mood swings. It is generally advisable to consume alcohol in moderation and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, especially if you experience bothersome side effects.
Is Lupron (Leuprolide acetate) safe during pregnancy?
Lupron (Leuprolide acetate) is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy. It falls under a pregnancy category that indicates potential risks to the fetus due to its hormonal effects. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suspect you might be pregnant, it is imperative to consult your healthcare provider immediately to discuss the risks and alternative treatment options.
What is the mechanism of action of Leuprolide acetate?
Leuprolide acetate is a synthetic analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It initially stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), causing a transient increase in sex hormones (testosterone or estrogen). Continued administration leads to downregulation of GnRH receptors, resulting in decreased LH and FSH secretion and subsequent suppression of gonadal steroidogenesis. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Leuprolide Acetate?
The generic name is Leuprolide acetate. It is sold under brand names including Lupron, Lupron Depot, Lucrin, Prostap, Viadur, Lupride.
What class of drug is Leuprolide acetate?
Leuprolide Acetate is classed as: Endocrine & Hormonal.
References
- Lupron (Leuprolide acetate) — Clinician RecordMedGuideGlobal Clinician-Authored Medicine Record · Global (internal) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- LUPRON DEPOT and LUPRON DEPOT-PED (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension) prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · dated 2026 (accessed via DailyMed) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- LEUPROLIDE ACETATE KIT [AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Leuprolide Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Vabrinty — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA021379)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Leuprolide — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 203217)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Leuprolide acetate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Eligard22.5 mg/.375mL, 30 mg/.5mL, 45 mg/.375mL, 7.5 mg/.25mL · tolmar inc.
- Vabrinty22.5 mg/.375mL, 7.5 mg/.25mL, 45 mg/.375mL, 30 mg/.5mL · uronova pharmaceuticals, inc.
- CAMCEVI42 mg/.37g · accord biopharma, inc.
- Fensolvi45 mg/.375mL · tolmar inc.
Canada
- LUPRON DEPOT
- ELIGARD
- LUPRON