This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain leuprolide.  It may not be specific to Lupron. Please read with care.
For leuprolide injections (Eligard®, Lupron® injection, Lupron Depot®, Lupron Depot® 11.25 mg, Lupron Depot-Ped®, Lupron Depot®-3 month, Lupron Depot®-4 month, or Lupron Depot®-6 month):
A nurse or other trained health professional may give you this medicine. It is given as a shot under your skin or into a muscle.
The long-acting form (depot) may be given once every month or once every 3 to 12 months. To stay on the right schedule, make sure you keep all appointments.
You may be taught how to give this medicine at home. Make sure you understand all of the instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Check the medicine before each injection. Do not use it if it is discolored, if there are particles in it, or if there is clumping or caking of the powder present.
If you have any questions about any of these, check with your doctor.
Leuprolide injection may contain a Medication Guide or patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully and make sure you understand:
How to prepare the injection.
How to use and dispose of the syringes.
How to give the injection.
How long the injection can be stored.
If you are to receive the leuprolide implant (Viadur®):
Viadur® is an implant that is surgically placed under the skin of the upper arm. Your doctor will treat the arm with numbing medicine and then cut a small incision to insert the implant with a special tool. The incision will be closed with surgical strips. An adhesive bandage will be placed over the arm and should be left on for 24 hours.
After the implant is put in place, you should keep the arm clean and dry, and should not swim or bathe for 24 hours. You should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 48 hours after the implant is put into the arm.
The surgical strips can be removed after at least 3 days or as soon as the incision is healed.
The implant will be left in place for one year and then removed. If needed, your doctor will then insert a new implant to continue treatment for another year.
Viadur® comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
If you are using Lupron Depot® 11.25 mg together with norethindrone acetate, you should also read and understand the information and instructions about using norethindrone. The warnings and precautions on norethindrone will also apply to Lupron Depot® 11.25 mg.
Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For injection dosage form:
For anemia caused by tumors of the uterus or endometriosis:
Adults—The dose given depends on the specific product used. Some examples are 3.75 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle once a month for up to 3 months, or 11.25 mg injected into a muscle as a single injection to last for 3 months.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For cancer of the prostate:
Adults—The dose given depends on the specific product used. Some examples are 7.5 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle or under the skin once a month, 22.5 mg injected into a muscle or under the skin as a single injection to last for 3 months, or 30 mg injected under the skin as a single injection to last for 4 months, or 45 mg injected under the skin as a single injection to last for 6 months.
For central precocious puberty:
Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.
Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For initial and retreatment of endometriosis:
Adults—11.25 milligrams (mg) injected into a muscle given for 1 to 2 doses every 3 months. The total treatment duration will last for 12 months.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
After the injection is prepared, the solution must be used right away and not stored. Eligard® must be used within 30 minutes after mixing, and Lupron Depot® must be used within 2 hours after mixing.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
 Detailed Lupron dosage information
