What is Lupron Depot (Leuprolide) prescribed for?

Endometriosis and Fibroids are known to cause painful problems within a woman’s uterus, and can cause severe pain and cramping during a woman’s period. And can even cause problems when trying to become pregnant.

For Fibroids, this medication is usually given with iron to help improve anemia that is caused by too much vaginal bleeding. And overall, helps reduce symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful and heave menstrual periods, and abdominal bloating.

This medication works by shrinking the abnormal uterine tissue that causes these symptoms in the first place. These uterine tissues need the female hormones estrogen to grow and spread.  This medication decreases the amount of estrogen that is made in the body.

If you have any questions regarding this medication, consult with your doctor first. 

This medication is an injection, usually injected into a muscle and most likely by a health care professional. This injection is usually taken once a month. Do not take it more than once a month; the medication slowly releases itself into your blood over the 1-month time span.

If you are taking this medication t home, learn all you can for the preparation and usage of this medication.  Also learn how to store and discard these medical supplies.

Wash your hands before use and make sure to properly mix the medication. Before you inject each dose, make sure you clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol, and with each use, change the infection site, to lessen injury under the skin.

Make sure to inject each dose within 2 hours of mixing, and if more than 2 hours has passed since mixing the product, throw it away and prepare another dose.

The length of the treatment is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Leuprolide; or to any other medications or allergies in general.

Also it is best to notify your doctor of your medical history. Inform you doctor if you have had any serious health issues in the past, such as; high blood fat levels (such as high cholesterol/triglycerides), mental/mood problems (such as depression), vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, seizures.

Leuprolide may weaken your bones and increase your risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have osteoporosis or if you have any of the following risk factors for osteoporosis: long-term alcohol use, smoking, family history of osteoporosis and broken bones, use of certain medications (for example, corticosteroids such as prednisone, certain anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin).

Some of these side effects may occur when taking this medication; they are as follows; Hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, tiredness, headache, upset stomach, breast changes, acne, joint/muscle aches, trouble sleeping, reduced sexual interest, vaginal discomfort/dryness, swelling of the ankles/feet, dizziness, or mild burning/pain/bruising at the injection site may occur. However if any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.

When this medication is used regularly, your menstrual period should stop (or bleeding should get lighter). Menstrual periods usually return within 3 months after treatment is stopped. Tell your doctor promptly if regular periods continue during treatment with leuprolide.

If you are experiencing any of these rare but very serious side effects, seek medical help right away. The side effects are as follows; mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of suicide, mood swings, aggression), new/worsening bone pain, easily broken bones.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before stop taking this medication.

 What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose.

 What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.