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Depot Lupron

1. Nature of Lupron

Depot Lupron (leuprolide acetate) Injection is a long-acting analog of the naturally occurring hormone GnRH made by TAP Pharmaceuticals. Analogs are chemical compounds with a similar structure to another compound or substance but differs in respect to a "certain component." This "certain component" change gives the analog a similar or opposite action to the native compound or substance.

GnRH is an abbreviation for "gonadotropin releasing hormone." This hormone is produced in the brain by the hypothalamus and is the regulator of gonadotropins, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). FSH stimulates estrogen production from follicles on the surface of the ovaries. LH helps trigger ovulation and release of eggs.

Long acting GnRH analogs have potential therapeutic value for the treatment of patients with a variety of diseases. It has been approved by the FDA (food and drug administration) for the treatment of men with metastatic prostate cancer. It has also been approved for the treatment of women with endometriosis and uterine fibroids. It is currently under extensive investigation for many other hormonally dependent conditions related to women.

Among those conditions shown to have benefited from Depot Lupron administration are leiomyomata uteri (fibroid uterus), endometriosis, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), breast cancer, and menstrual disorders caused by ovulatory dysfunction (PMS, precocious puberty, irregular cycles, etc.). For this reason, this information is intended to help inform you about this medication.

2. Potential Benefits of Lupron

You have been chosen to consider the use of Depot Lupron because of your particular problem. With regard to endometriosis and fibroids, this drug has been shown to improve the adverse effects of these hormonally dependent conditions by lowering estrogen levels produced by the ovaries.

It does this by inhibiting gonadotropin secretion when given continuously. By giving you a monthly injection of Depot Lupron, a decrease in the level of your own FSH and LH will occur. This action then allows us to suppress growth and function of these types of diseases yielding you a better chance to accomplish your desired goal. This effect is reversible upon discontinuation of drug therapy. Spontaneous ovulatory cycles can usually be expected to resume within 4?6 weeks after discontinuation of Lupron.

3. Lupron Administration

Depot Lupron is not active when taken orally. Because of this, it must be administered monthly by intramuscular injection of 3.75 milligrams. Another dose of 11.25 milligrams lasts for 3 months. During the duration of its use, you will be monitored by pelvic examinations, hormonal blood tests, or by pelvic ultrasounds to assess your own response to the drug if there is question as to its effectiveness. This testing allows us to use the right amount of drug for your particular case with safety and to attain its maximum benefit.

4. Lupron Risks and/or Side Effects

Depot Lupron has not been shown to cause major long- or short-term side effects in humans. It is rapidly transformed into inactive compounds by the body. The risks of therapy include: 1) failure of the drug to work in your particular condition, 2) occurrence of hot flashes and headaches while on the drug, 3) discontinuation of cyclic menstrual cycles while on the drug, 4) a local skin reaction (rash) at the injection site, and 5) a slight delay (4?6 weeks) in resumption of subsequent cycles after discontinuation of the drug. Initiation of oral contraceptives prior to giving a patient Depot Lupron often diminishes the side effects of low estrogen caused by the drug. It also helps to prevent long-term sequelae of low estrogen states if the patient is on Lupron for more than 3 months.

5. Alternative Therapy to Lupron

Alternative therapies should always be discussed prior to initiation of any drug. With regard to fibroids and pelvic endometriosis, alternatives include observation, other drug therapy (i.e., danocrine, oral contraceptives, progestins, etc.) and surgery. Please go over these alternatives with your physician.