Drug updated on 4/17/2024
| Dosage Form | LUPRON DEPOT 3.75 mg for 1-month administration, given as a single intramuscular injection. LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration, given as a single intramuscular injection every 4 weeks. LUPRON DEPOT 11.25mg for 3-month administration, given as a single intramuscular injection. LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg for 3-month administration, given as a single intramuscular injection every 12 weeks. LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg for 4-month administration, given as a single intramuscular injection every 16 weeks. LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg for 6-month administration, given as a single intramuscular injection every 24 weeks |
| Drug Class | Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Palliative treatment of advanced prostatic cancer.
- Management of endometriosis, including pain relief and reduction of endometriotic lesions.
- In combination with a norethindrone acetate for initial management of the painful symptoms of endometriosis and for management of recurrence of symptoms.
Summary
- Leuprolide acetate for depot suspension (Lupron) is indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostatic cancer, management of endometriosis including pain relief and reduction of endometriotic lesions, and in combination with norethindrone acetate for initial management of painful symptoms associated with endometriosis.
- A total of 3 systematic reviews/meta-analyses were reviewed to gather information about Lupron's effectiveness and safety profile.
- In a comparison between GnRH antagonists (degarelix and relugolix) versus GnRH agonists like leuprolide, it was found that the former may cause significantly fewer cardiovascular adverse effects than the latter in men with prostate cancer.
- Another study compared DES as an alternative form to ADT against bicalutamide, flutamide, LHRH agonists such as Lupron or orchiectomy in treating prostate cancer; while similar efficacy was observed across all forms studied, high doses of DES showed evidence related to cardiovascular toxicity discouraging its use.
- The third review examined progestogens or oral contraceptives versus GnRH agonist treatments like leuprolide for managing endometriosis; results suggested that both options are effective at relieving pain associated with this condition but differ on side effect profiles - leuprolide caused significant reductions in bone mineral density along with other side effects whereas progestogens led to weight gain and acne incidences.
- Overall these studies suggest that while Lupron has proven efficacy against conditions such as prostate cancer and endometriosis there might be alternatives available which could offer comparable benefits but different risk profiles depending on patient-specific factors such as tolerance towards certain side-effects or pre-existing health conditions especially those related to heart health or bone density issues among others.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lupron Depot (Leuprolide Acetate For Depot Suspension) Prescribing Information. | 2022 | Abbvie Endocrine |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The cardiovascular effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists in men with prostate cancer | 2021 | European Heart Journal |
| Estrogen therapy in patients with prostate cancer: a contemporary systematic review | 2018 | International Urology and Nephrology |
| A comparison of progestogens or oral contraceptives and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for the treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review | 2014 | Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy |