Generic Name: leuprolide
Drug Class: Hormone Therapy Medications
Company: AbbVie
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: Yes
Drug Indication
Lupron is a GnRH agonist approved for palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. It is also used to treat breast and ovarian cancer, though it is not FDA-approved for these indications.
General Info
Testosterone and other male hormones (androgens) stimulate prostate cancer growth. Similarly, estrogen promotes the growth of hormone-positive breast cancer. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, also known as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, block signals in the brain that direct the testicles to produce testosterone or the ovaries to produce estrogen.
Lupron is given as a long-acting injection that lasts from one to six months, depending on the dose. Testosterone or estrogen levels usually go up briefly (known as a flare) before falling to very low levels.
Dosage
Dosing Info:
Lupron is given as a long-acting injection that lasts from one to six months, depending on the dose.
Side Effects
Common side effects include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, hot flashes, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and injection site reactions. Medications that lower testosterone may lead to reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and shrinkage of the testicles. Women may experience decreased sex drive, mood changes, breast shrinkage and vaginal dryness. Potential serious side effects include seizures, increased risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, and bone loss in women. Lupron should not be used during pregnancy.
For More Info: http://www.lupron.com/
Patient Assistance Program Info: http://www.lupronprostatecancer.com/insuranceprescriptions.aspx
Last Reviewed: December 3, 2018
