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Leuprolide is an injection used to treat early puberty. It works by lowering hormone levels, which can help delay the physical signs of puberty. The most common side effects are pain or irritation at the injection site and common cold symptoms. This medicine may cause the symptoms of early puberty to briefly get worse before they get better. Tell your health care provider right away if you have a seizure, new or worsening mood or behavior problems, or vision problems.

Uses

What is leuprolide used for?

Leuprolide is commonly used to treat early puberty (central precocious puberty).

Leuprolide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

For information about leuprolide for prostate cancer, see leuprolide, prostate cancer (Camcevi, Eligard, Lupron Depot). 

For information about leuprolide for endometriosis/fibroids, see leuprolide, endometriosis/fibroids (Lupron Depot).

How does leuprolide work (mechanism of action)?

Leuprolide can help delay the physical signs of puberty. It works to lower the levels of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen by stopping your body from making these hormones.

How is leuprolide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Fensolvi
  • Lupron Depot-Ped

Dosage forms and strengths

Leuprolide is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store leuprolide?

Leuprolide is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of leuprolide?

The most common side effects of leuprolide are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Headache
  • Cough 
  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Hot flashes and excessive sweating
  • Mood changes (see below)
  • Acne, rash, or itchiness
  • Vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Weight gain
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Pain in your arms, legs, back, chest, or breasts
  • Trouble sleeping

There may be other side effects of leuprolide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of leuprolide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of leuprolide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Leuprolide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Symptom Flare. Leuprolide can cause a temporary increase in hormones, which can make your symptoms get worse before it gets better. Call your health care provider if your symptoms feel severe or are not improving over time.

Mood Changes. Leuprolide may cause mood swings or depression. If you already have a mental health condition, using leuprolide can make your symptoms worse. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following new or worsening symptoms.

  • Feeling irritable or restless
  • Unusual crying, anger, or aggressiveness 
  • Feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Seizures. Some people who have used leuprolide have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Increased Pressure Around the Brain. Leuprolide can increase the pressure around the brain, a serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri (or increased intracranial pressure). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Vision changes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use leuprolide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use leuprolide.

  • Fensolvi
  • Leuprolide
  • Lupron Depot-Ped
  • Any other medicine known as a GnRH agonist
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific leuprolide products they stock.

Pregnancy. Do not use leuprolide if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

What should I know about leuprolide before using it?

Leuprolide is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

What should I tell my health care provider before using leuprolide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if leuprolide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Mental health conditions
  • Seizure disorders
  • Brain problems, such as seizures, stroke, or tumors

Pregnancy. Leuprolide can cause harm to a fetus and should not be used while pregnant. To prevent pregnancy, your health care provider may recommend using nonhormonal birth control (such as barrier methods) while using leuprolide. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if leuprolide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use leuprolide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does leuprolide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between leuprolide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect leuprolide.

Does leuprolide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between leuprolide and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much leuprolide?

If you or someone else has used too much leuprolide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of leuprolide?

If you miss an appointment to get your leuprolide dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.