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Leuprolide is an injection used to treat endometriosis or uterine fibroids. It works by lowering hormone levels in your body. The most common side effects are hot flashes, sweating, and headaches. Leuprolide can weaken the bones, so it is usually used for a limited time to help reduce the risk. Your health care provider may recommend other ways to reduce the risk of bone loss.

Uses

What is leuprolide used for?

Leuprolide is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • Endometriosis, a condition where you have tissue growing outside of the uterus that bleeds during periods and commonly causes pain
  • Fibroids, a condition where you have muscle tissue growing in or on your uterus that may cause heavy periods and low levels of red blood cells (anemia)

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 pediatric uses of leuprolide, see Leuprolide, Pediatric (Fensolvi, Lupron Depot-Ped).

How does leuprolide work (mechanism of action)?

Leuprolide treats endometriosis or uterine fibroids by lowering the levels of hormones that cause these tissues to grow. This helps reduce symptoms such as pain and heavy periods. 

How is leuprolide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lupron Depot

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.

  • Hot flashes and sweating
  • Headache, migraine, or body aches
  • Inflamed vagina or vaginal infection
  • Depression (see below)
  • Weight changes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Low sex drive
  • Dizziness

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. Some people have had severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). 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, vomiting, or stomach cramps
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Painful, peeling skin that looks burned, red, purple, or discolored
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Weak Bones. Using leuprolide for a long time may cause your bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily. Get bone mineral density tests as directed by your health care provider. 

Symptom Flare. Leuprolide can cause a temporary increase in hormone levels, which can make your symptoms get worse before it gets better. This may happen when you first start leuprolide treatment. Call your health care provider if your symptoms feel severe or are not improving over time.

Depression. Leuprolide can cause depression or make it 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 symptoms.

  • Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
  • Less interested in things you usually enjoy
  • New or increased 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use leuprolide?

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

  • Leuprolide
  • Lupron Depot
  • 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.

Unusual Vaginal Bleeding. Leuprolide should not be used if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed by a health care provider.

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.

Risk of Bone Loss. Leuprolide may cause your bones to become weaker. The risk of this side effect may be higher in certain people. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following conditions or factors to help them determine if leuprolide is safe for you.

  • Tobacco use
  • Heavy, long-term alcohol use
  • Family members who have weak bones (osteoporosis)
  • Long-term use of other medicines that can cause weakened bones

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.