Uses of Leuprolide Acetate
Lupron has several important medical uses:
Prostate Cancer
By reducing testosterone levels, Lupron can help shrink prostate tumors in men with prostate cancer. It is commonly used along with anti-androgen drugs as part of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or hormonal therapy. Lupron is usually used long-term for advanced prostate cancer or definitively before radiation therapy or prostatectomy for early-stage disease.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterine cavity, commonly involving the ovaries, bowels and pelvic lining. Lupron can help relieve endometriosis symptoms such as pelvic pain and heavy periods by stopping ovulation and reducing circulating estrogen levels. Leuprolide Acetate is usually taken for 6 months to a year.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in or on the wall of the uterus. Lupron can temporarily shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms like heavy bleeding. It is sometimes used pre-operatively to reduce fibroid size before surgical removal. Treatment usually lasts 3-6 months.
Central Precocious Puberty
Central precocious puberty results from premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing early development of secondary sex characteristics like breast development or accelerated growth. Lupron is used to temporarily pause puberty, allowing children to experience puberty at a developmentally appropriate age.
Administration Process
Lupron is available as a monthly or 3-month depot injection administered by a healthcare professional. Injections are typically given into the buttocks or abdomen using small gauge needles. When reconstituted with sterile water or saline, Lupron forms a solution that releases the drug slowly over the dosing interval.
The initial dose is usually higher (7.5 or 11.25 mg) to rapidly suppress hormone production. Subsequent monthly or 3-month doses provide ongoing hormonal control. Proper storage and administration are necessary for prolonged drug delivery from the depot injection site. Non-injectable formulations like nasal spray and biodegradable implant inserts are also being studied.
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