Lupron Depot IM
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (LEW-pro-lide)
Lupron Depot IM Uses
Leuprolide is used to treat disorders of the uterus (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids) in women. It helps to reduce symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful/heavy menstrual periods, and abdominal bloating. It also shrinks the abnormal uterine tissue that causes these symptoms. For the treatment of fibroids, leuprolide is usually given with iron to help improve anemia that is caused by too much vaginal bleeding. Uterine tissue needs the female hormone estrogen to grow and spread. Leuprolide works by decreasing the amount of estrogen that is made in the female body.
Leuprolide is also used to stop early puberty (precocious puberty) in children. It helps to delay sexual development (e.g., growth of the breasts/testicles) and the start of menstrual periods. It also helps slow down the rate of early bone growth so that the chances for reaching normal adult height are increased. Leuprolide works by decreasing the amount of sex hormones that a child's body makes (estrogen in girls, testosterone in boys).
How To Use Lupron Depot IM
This medication is given as an injection into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually once a month by a health care professional or as directed by your doctor. This product slowly releases the medication into your blood over a 1-month period.
In women, the length of treatment is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and the condition of your bones since leuprolide may weaken bones. Consult your doctor for details. See also Precautions section.
In children, the dosage is based on weight and response to therapy. The doctor should consider stopping treatment before age 11 for girls and age 12 for boys. Consult your doctor for details.
If you are directed to inject this medication yourself, learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problem areas under the skin.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive the next dose.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. In women, improvement in symptoms is usually seen in 3-6 months.
