Leuprolide

FDA ApprovedSince 1985

Also known as Lupron, Eligard

Interaction Warning2 flagged

Do not combine Leuprolide with the following:

Pregnancy
Concurrent hormone therapy without oncology guidance

Function

Primary

Prostate Cancer · Endometriosis · Precocious Puberty

Mechanism

GnRH receptor agonist — paradoxical downregulation with continuous use suppresses LH/FSH → hypogonadism.

Evidence

Clinical RCT (Phase III)

Research

Phase III TAP trials

Dosing

Range

3.75–22.5 mg depot (1–6 month)

Frequency

Monthly to every 6 months

Route

Subcutaneous · Intramuscular

Administration & Technique

Depot IM

Prostate cancer, endometriosis, precocious puberty.

DeviceDepot syringe (Lupron Depot) 1, 3, 4, or 6 month.

TechniqueReconstitute with supplied diluent; deep IM gluteal, rotate side each cycle.

Subcutaneous

Daily formulation (rarely used now).

DeviceInsulin syringe.

TechniqueAbdomen SubQ.

Injection & Application Sites

Front

Back

Depot IM

Dorsogluteal (upper outer) — Upper outer quadrant of the buttock. Used for depot IM; alternate sides each cycle.
Ventrogluteal — Palm on greater trochanter, index to ASIS — inject in the V. Safest IM site.

Subcutaneous

Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.

Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.

Cycling

Depot dosing on schedule; no cycling.

Timing & Interactions

When to take

Depot IM monthly or every 3/4/6 months. Same day of cycle.

Do not combine with

·Pregnancy — contraindicated
·Concurrent hormone therapy without oncology guidance

Complements

·Add-back therapy for endometriosis; standard oncology regimens

Storage & Reconstitution

Powder (Pre-Reconstitution)

Lyophilized powder: refrigerate 2–8°C for up to 24 months, or freeze at –20°C for extended storage. Keep sealed, desiccated, and protected from light.

After Reconstitution

After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Discard if cloudy, discolored, or precipitated.

Notes

Do not freeze after reconstitution — freeze/thaw cycles degrade most peptides.

Full BAC water & reconstitution guide →

Reconstitution Calculator

Peptide in vial (mg)

BAC water added (mL)

Desired dose (mcg)

Concentration

2.50 mg/mL

Volume per dose

0.100 mL

Insulin syringe

10.0 units (U-100)

1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.

Your Notes

Benefits

·Effective androgen/estrogen suppression
·Tumor regression in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
·Endometriosis pain control

Risks

·Bone density loss
·CV risk
·Hot flashes
·Tumor flare initially
·Mood effects

Contraindications

·Pregnancy
·Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
·Hypersensitivity

Regulatory

FDA-Approved Rx

Veterinary Use (Pets)

No established veterinary protocol for Leuprolide. Consult a licensed veterinarian before considering off-label use in any species.

Full veterinary reference →

Functional Groups

Men's Health Women's Health

Cited Works

AbbVie. Lupron Depot Prescribing Information.

View full reference repository →