Lupron

Lupron is the brand name for leuprolide acetate, a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist used in hormone therapy to suppress sex hormone production. It acts by briefly stimulating GnRH receptors and then downregulating them with continued exposure, decreasing LH and FSH and lowering estrogen or testosterone.

Common medical uses include palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer; management of endometriosis and uterine fibroids; and treatment of central precocious puberty in children. In premenopausal women, leuprolide is used to suppress ovarian function as part of breast cancer therapy and in IVF protocols to prevent premature ovulation. It is also used for puberty suppression in transgender youth under medical supervision.

Formulations are available as intramuscular injections, including long-acting depot preparations that permit monthly or multi-month dosing. Lupron Depot-Ped and other depot forms are used in pediatric and adult patients, respectively.

Adverse effects commonly include hot flashes, night sweats, decreased libido, mood changes, headaches, and injection-site reactions. Long-term therapy may decrease bone mineral density. In cancer patients, initiation can provoke a transient tumor flare due to initial hormone surge. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding.